Just Do It (Whatever “It” Is)
I’ve had a bit of writer’s block of late. It happens. Life happens. Too many things going in the real world, as well as in my head. Plenty of distractions. But in the last week, I’ve managed to snap out of it. I’ve suddenly got a spring in my step and a renewed sense of purpose. I’ve remembered the classic advertising slogan: Just do it.
As you’ll have experienced, it’s easy to get frustrated by the lack of “progress” (however you choose to define that). Don’t beat yourself up about it. Accept your procrastination. And if you have some sense of the direction towards which you are looking to head, then there’s hope. At the same time, it’s more than just “knowing”. It’s about doing. Simply put one step in front of the other. And do it again. And again. Move forward. Career pivot if you have to. But keep moving forward. Remember, just do it.
Now think about that in the context of your career. You often don’t have to think too deeply to discover the root of the problem in your current role. Inertia. Being reactive rather than proactive. Waiting for things to happen.
And in many cases, being in that state is fine. You turn up for work, you do as you’re told, and you collect your bag of cash on payday. People have been doing that since time immemorial. You’re not alone. It’s normal for so many of us.
But keep in mind that you give up control in those circumstances. You can’t dictate the terms. You have less power, less leverage.
As Abe Lincoln apparently said:
“Great things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”
That means taking action. That’s code for “just do it”.
Maybe that relates to starting and building a side hustle. It could possibly be about that promotion you’ve been looking for. Or negotiating a pay rise. Or perhaps you’re looking to move across to another firm.
It covers a multitude of sins. Is it easy? No. If it were, we’d all be doing it all the time. And circumstances aren’t always on our side, and I get that. It also takes effort. And we’re not always willing or able to do what needs to be done.
Still, when you have your next annual appraisal, and your boss asks what your development goals are for the coming year, try to step up. Have some. And then do something about them.
Don’t just sit there thinking and analyzing your life away. Analysis paralysis is not taking you forward, even if it is keeping you occupied. Don’t get stressed out – find ways to deal with it.
Define what you’re looking for. If it helps, take a personality test. And then get on with it. Make sure you are an object in motion (which stays in motion). So what’s the answer? Just do it.
