Converting Decision to Action
Fun fact: I love a cute or clever riddle.
One of my longest friends lovingly teases me about how hilarious I found this one when we were in middle school:
What do you call a fly with no wings?
A walk!
I think it’s the special rush of glee I get when I search my mind for the answer and come up blank, followed by the click of connection after the punchline is served up.
Here’s another riddle:
Five frogs are sitting on a log. 4 decide to jump off. How many are left?
The answer is…
Five!
I know you’ve probably heard this one before, but let’s just pause to appreciate such a classic riddle.
(And if you haven’t heard this one before, a brief explanation: four frogs *decided* to jump off, but that doesn’t mean they acted on that decision.)
Not only does the riddle play with detail hidden right in the open, but it alludes to a shared human frustration:
There’s a big difference between deciding or intending to do something, and actually doing it.
—
Is there any part of you that can relate to those frogs on the log?
I know I can!
What’s that thing for you? The thing you regularly think you need to do, but somehow never do?
>> Is it delegating?
>> Actually using the time you set aside for strategic planning and project work?
>> Speaking up with your point of view in meetings?
>> Saying no to requests that aren’t aligned?
>> Investing time and energy to expand your internal and external networks?
>> Taking breaks from work that you know will boost your effectiveness and resilience?
I have spun my wheels on every one of these at various times. These are also quite common goals that my clients want to figure out through coaching. They’re the things you can never quite get to; other things come up or you feel yourself holding back. You find yourself defaulting (again) to the very thing you know needs to change.
—
This is the gap between decision and action. Like the frogs, just having a worthy goal isn’t always enough to get you to make the moves needed for success.
I KNOW how infuriating it can be to see yourself staying put.
And I know it’s possible to get unstuck.
Most people out there will advise that you “just do it” or “suck it up.” “Make a plan and work the plan.” “Start small.” Maybe they recommend you find an accountability buddy.
Truth Bomb That would have worked by now if it was going to.
Wanna know what it takes when you’re really stuck?
The very first step is to pull back and – with deep compassion – get clear on gap.
Stop trying different tools and tactics, and instead honestly look at the behaviors that keep you from your goal.
Therein lies the key to getting unstuck so you can finally jump off the log.