Action isn’t the same as progress

Action isn't the same as progress

I've written before that not taking action is an acceptable response to a question. That is, sometime it's better to leave things alone than to try to "fix" them.

A corollary to that rule is "Action isn't the same as progress."

Working with a client recently, they asked me "Which of these ideas should we implement?" Part of my response was "Whichever you prioritize, make sure you can make progress on these ideas. Not just take action. Because action and progress are not the same."

It reminds me of motivational posters I used to see in my children's elementary school: "Success is measured by effort." Um, no. Success is measured by achieving your goals. The amount of effort you make is actually irrelevant to measuring your success.

So don't confuse "action" with "progress." They're not the same.

Wes's Wednesday Wisdom Archives

The hidden costs of bad data

February 12, 2025

The hidden costs of bad data Nobody likes bad data, and presumably we’re all working […]

Don’t let your customers edit their names online!

February 5, 2025

Don’t let your customers edit their names online! This issue came up recently and I […]

Once is an accident, twice is coincidence, three times is a pattern.

January 29, 2025

Once is an accident, twice is coincidence, three times is a pattern. We’ve probably all […]

“Every association does this.”

January 22, 2025

“Every association does this.” One of the most significant values I bring to my clients […]

Trust your gut

January 15, 2025

Trust your gut When I help associations with selection of a new technology system (e.g., […]

“People more frequently require to be reminded than informed.”

January 8, 2025

“People more frequently require to be reminded than informed.” “People more frequently require to be […]

Problems without solutions are not problems, they are facts of life

December 18, 2024

Problems without solutions are not problems, they are facts of life “Problems without solutions are […]

Perfect is not possible

December 11, 2024

Perfect is not possible We’ve all heard the phrase “Perfect is the enemy of good” and […]

“Different” isn’t necessarily better or worse.

December 4, 2024

“Different” isn’t necessarily better or worse. One of the biggest challenges I face when working […]

The Rule of 100 and 1,000 and automation

November 20, 2024

The Rule of 100 and 1,000 and automation I originally coined the rule of 100 […]

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top