Have you heard these 2 sayings before?

• “Action precedes clarity” [action first]

• “Your level of action will always match your level of clarity” [clarity first]

At first glance, they seem contradictory. Which really comes first, then? Action or clarity?

In fact, there’s a kind of virtuous cycle, or upward spiral, that can happen with both action and clarity. One leads to the other leads to the other leads to the other.

What I think both expressions implicitly suggest is that we want to avoid an eternal analysis paralysis!

And I couldn’t agree more with that. A bit of initial, and periodic, effort towards research and reflection is key. However, if you stay stuck in a mental bubble without end, ain’t nothin’ going forward.

So, take a step in one direction and collect data. Keep learning and taking small actions. As you take action, you create a feedback loop that helps you get “better” and home in on where you’re really going.

So, as you get more clarity, you can take more precise steps. As you take steps, you get clearer.

Essentially any movement, and learning, is better than none. Would you all agree with that?

And I just want to add… don’t do any of this alone. Make up your own mind and direct your own life, sure, but work with other people. Collaborate. Co-create. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.