Recently, I was reminded of the wisdom in this saying when I was teaching someone how to do some new job tasks. She was as eager for me to turn them over and “stop talking” as I was eager to let things go and let her run with it. She reminded me that you can read about swimming and talk about swimming, but at some point you just have to jump in and swim. Since we were talking about work and business stuff, I thought this was a great reminder that there is no substitution for actually jumping in and doing something.
I am all for preparation and think that planning and research can be a key part of a successful endeavor. After all, it is a good thing to know what sort of papers you might need to file, who the influential people are, and other particulars that can affect your home business. But, the day comes when we just have to take that big plunge and jump into the stream to see if we will sink or if we can swim.
Some of us can get so focused on reading books, taking classes and making lists–that we can put off actually taking the chance and trying something new in our businesses for months (if not years!) We might get input and suggestions from everyone we know, make a dozen contingency plans, and read all the latest articles–and we’re still sitting on the edge of the bank just barely dipping our big toe in the water. Businesses may be founded on planning and faith, but it takes risk to grow and build a business–even a small, home-based business. So, at some point, you’ve got to stop reading and thinking about it and actually take the plunge and DO IT!
Also: Don’t Be So Cheap You Choke Your Business
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