The English language is full of clichés, but few are more
confusing than the conflict between "Fools rush in" and
"Those who hesitate are lost." How do we balance the "need
for speed" with the advice to "look before you leap?"
We all know the necessity for planning and preparation. We
know that success requires a strong foundation, careful
thought, and precision. But, we are also advised to "strike
while the iron is hot" and told "the early bird gets the
worm." What’s a person to do?
This confusion first struck me when I read biographies of
Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott, the first two men to reach
the South Pole. Amundsen was the more impulsive of the two.
He landed on the shelf ice, unloaded his gear and took off.
He got to the pole first, and he returned to tell the tale.
Robert Scott was more organized, and had better equipment.
When he landed on the ice, he prepared carefully for the
enormous challenge ahead. He was the better scientist and
he, too, got to the South Pole. But he got there second and,
because of his delay the Antarctic winter set in before he
got back. After weeks of bitter and heroic struggle, he and
his men died just eleven miles short of base camp and safety.
I was reminded of that this week while reading Edmund
Morris' biography of young Theodore Roosevelt. When he was
25, his wife died in childbirth and in his grief, Roosevelt
made his first trip to the Dakota Bad Lands. When his guide
quit, he plunged ahead with no idea what to expect. He was
unprepared and might have died, but instead found a rugged
wilderness that restored his health and in many ways created
the man who later became president. Who could have guessed?
So how do we balance the impulse to "plunge ahead" with the
cautious advice to "look before you leap?"
First, understand and honor your unique personality. Some of
us are "planners." For them plans, research and a methodical
approach are required. Impulsive action doesn't work for
them, and that’s fine! But others are built for speed. They
see opportunity and want to act quickly. That’s good, too!
People are different and have different styles. Whatever
your preferred style, success comes from designing your life
and creating boundaries so you are (mostly) exposed to the
opportunities that work best for you.
But secondly, successful people understand and work with the
limitations of their preferred style.
Some things in life must be grasped instantly or they are
gone forever. Sometimes, if "you snooze, you lose!" and if
you are a planner, these quick opportunities won’t fit your
natural preferences. Design your life so that, as often as
possible, you have the time you need for thoughtful, careful
consideration.
Others prefer the drama and thrill of speed. If that’s your
preference, design systems that create lots of opportunities
where you can "grab and go." But, be aware of the downside
risk. Some impulses, like driving too fast, can end in
tragedy.
Finally, learn the art of flexibility. Few people are so
extreme one way or the other that we can’t make exceptions
when called for. Learn to analyze the true nature of the
situation, and respond accordingly. Even if you strongly
prefer careful planning, some situations call for immediate
action and that’s alright! Go for it! It’s good practice
and might, like Roosevelt’s ride into the Badlands, lead
to amazing results. Other situations require detailed
preparation and no matter how much your instinct is to jump
in quickly, caution is advised. Winners recognize the
difference and respond appropriately.
The key to success is not your inherent personality, but
using it to your advantage. Design a life that builds on
your strengths.
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