Stop Preparing, Start Doing: Why Action is the Only Thing That Counts
The Concept
We convince ourselves that planning is progress. We make lists, schedule tasks, research, strategize, and refine.
But none of that is actually doing the thing.
I love Chris Williamson’s take on this:
“Preparing to do the thing isn’t doing the thing.
Scheduling time to do the thing isn’t doing the thing.
Making a to-do list for the thing isn’t doing the thing.
Reading about how other people did the thing isn’t doing the thing.
The only thing that is doing the thing is doing the thing.”
I spent a lot of time in 2024 preparing—building my website, setting up my CRM, scheduling photoshoots, perfecting my brand. And while those things matter, the truth is, during that time…
I wasn’t actually helping anyone.
Now, I’m coaching. I’m launching retreats. I’m speaking on stages and podcasts. And guess what? That’s where the real impact happens. That’s where transformation happens.
Why We Get Stuck in Preparation Mode
There’s a reason we mistake motion for action.
Fear of failure. If we stay in preparation mode, we never have to risk falling short.
Perfectionism. We convince ourselves that we’ll start once everything is perfectly aligned.
Procrastination disguised as productivity. Researching, organizing, and strategizing feel productive, but they aren’t the real work.
Lack of self-trust. Deep down, we doubt our ability to execute, so we keep preparing instead of doing.
But no amount of planning will ever substitute for action.
My Own Wake-Up Call: Doing the Damn Thing
Looking back, I see it so clearly.
I spent months getting ready instead of getting started.
I told myself I needed to learn more before launching. I convinced myself I needed more time, more clarity, more confidence. I waited for the right moment to begin.
But the truth? That moment never magically arrived.
It only came when I stopped waiting and started doing.
Now that I’m actually coaching, leading retreats, and speaking on stages, I see the massive difference between preparing for impact and making an impact.
Because clarity comes from action—not from overthinking.
How to Break the Cycle & Start Taking Action
If you find yourself stuck in preparation mode, here’s how to shift into real action:
Call yourself out. Be brutally honest—are you actually making progress, or just preparing to make progress?
Set a micro-action. If the big thing feels overwhelming, take one tiny, imperfect step forward. Today.
Limit your research. Learning is great, but don’t use it as a crutch. You don’t need another podcast episode—you need to apply what you already know.
Give yourself a deadline. Set a hard date for when you’ll take the first real step, and hold yourself accountable.
Adopt a ‘messy action’ mindset. Let go of perfection. Done is better than perfect. Start before you feel ready.
Your Turn: What’s One Thing You’re Done Preparing For?
Ask yourself:
Where have I been stuck in planning instead of executing?
What’s the smallest action step I can take today?
What would happen if I stopped waiting and just did the thing?
Because the only thing that is doing the thing… is doing the thing.
Are you ready to take action toward your transformation? My coaching is designed to help you move from preparation to execution—so you stop circling the runway and finally take off.
