Another gem from Hitopadesh
उद्यमेन हि सिध्यन्ति कार्याणि न मनोरथैः।
न हि सुप्तस्य सिंहस्य प्रवि-शन्ति मुखे मृगाः।।
Only by doing will it happen, not by thinking
A sleeping lion will not have the deer enter its mouth
The ‘Sleeping Lion’ Problem
The sleeping lion is a powerful metaphor. Individuals and organizations cannot simply rest on their previous triumphs or passively wait for opportunities, just as a lion cannot rely on its past laurels or passively wait for meals. Jim Collins discovered in his seminal study on company strategy, Good to Great, that firms that converted from good to great did so through persistent, systematic, and consistent efforts over time.
The Fallacy of Analysis Paralysis
Research by Jeff Boss for Forbes illustrates how overthinking, or ‘analysis paralysis,’ can stymie decision-making and action. Individuals and organizations are frequently stymied by their desire for perfection or their fear of failure. While planning and analysis are important, they should not be obstacles to action.
The Effectiveness of Iterative Execution
Eric Ries’ Lean Startup model emphasizes the ‘Build-Measure-Learn’ feedback cycle. Instead of lengthy planning processes, entrepreneurs are encouraged to swiftly create a minimum viable product’ (MVP), test it in real-world situations, learn from feedback, and improve. This method promotes execution and believes in evolving a product based on real-world feedback, emphasizing the importance of doing above simply thinking.
Illustrations from the Real World
Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Road: Stallone didn’t just consider writing; he accomplished it. He was in a bad financial situation when he penned the script for Rocky. He didn’t back down when he received offers for his script on the condition that he not star in it. He believed in his vision, followed through on it, and the rest is film history.
The tenacity of Thomas Edison: Edison reportedly said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” This remark emphasizes the importance of action. His iterative approach to experimenting resulted in the discovery of the light bulb after thousands of tries.
The Neuroscience of Behaviour
According to neuroscientific research, activity is essential for cognitive function and learning. Dr. David Eagleman, a neuroscientist, believes that our activities shape our brain’s neuronal connections. We not only attain our immediate aims by ‘doing,’ but we also build neural connections that aid future endeavors.
In essence, action bridges the gap between dreams and realities. While preparation is important, it is the dogged pursuit, act of doing, and commitment to execution that turn ideas into actual results. Seizing opportunities and taking decisive moves forward, like the awake and hunting lion, will always serve as true characteristics of growth.
Image – AI rendering
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