In recent months, a number of people have asked me about a term I use a lot, here on the blog: Intelligent action. They wanted to know what intelligent action actually means.
I developed the term a decade ago, by questioning something that self-help guru Tony Robins said, in his Personal Power audio program. He claimed that the following 2 sayings were contradictions of each other.
- Look before you leap
- He who hesitates is lost
To me, those sayings are not only extremely complimentary, they also combine to form the basis of how all successful decision makers operate. Here’s what I mean:
Look before you leap: Before you take action (or leap), you should get the information required (or look) to ensure you make the best decision.
Then…
He who hesitates is lost: Once you have the information required in order to take action – Use it! Opportunities in business, and in life generally, are often time-sensitive. That is to say, you can miss out on an opportunity, by hesitating for too long. Before you know it, the moment has passed and the opportunity is no more.
Intelligent action
Success comes to those, who take intelligent action. Intelligent action is the fusion of research and activity. Combine those 2 together and you can achieve real progress in any area of your business.
So, look before you leap, but once equipped with the information you need, remember that he (or she) who hesitates is lost – So take action.
Jim Connolly can help you grow your business and achieve the breakthrough marketing results your hard work deserves. To find out more, simply click here!
Photo: Neosnaps
That posts a keeper!
Another point you made here Jim is the importance of not just blindly accepting what experts say.
I like the tone of this post!
Nice that it struck a chord
I’d better say that it brings me a lot of energy today
[...] are no limits when you view life as a challenge. Perhaps that is why I am reading fiction again. I want to be inspired by people who take on life and [...]
Perfect timing for this post. Always good to get a good kick up the backside.
Thanks Jeremy. One of the benefits of blogging regularly, is that it makes it more likely that I will get the right message to the right person more often.
Wise words indeed, sometimes business can be scary, for instance if you feel you haven’t been convincing enough to a potential lead can knock your confidence somewhat and hesitation will creep in after a while. The trick is to dust yourself off and get back up, you can’t please all the people all the time right? Be confident and know your stuff (look before you leap) and take calculated risks every now an again, be the first off the mark (He who hesitates is lost)
Absolutely, Elliott. Like they say, it’s not being knocked down that ruins your business, but failing to get back up.
[...] my experience, learning, true learning, means more than just blindly accepting everything you read or hear from an expert. It means gathering information from the best sources you can [...]
Hi Jim
It is a great title to this post. I saw it by doing a Google for Marketing your business for success.
It is an example of celebrity & intrigue.
I agree Tony got it wrong the opposite side of the coin of He who hesitates loses is Fools rush in where Angles or the wise fear to tread.
Knowledge without action is just a pastime.