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
Data management is improvisation
Data management is improvisation I was listening to a podcast recently featuring TV writer Rob […]
Who own the AMS company is like the weather…
Who own the AMS company is like the weather… When I work with clients to […]
“As good or better than me.”
“As good or better than me.” I was recently speaking with a software developer working […]
Documentation is insurance
Documentation is insurance In a conversation with a client about their data management needs, the client […]
It all comes down to fundamentals
It all comes down to fundamentals I’m preparing for a webinar that I’m presenting in […]
Blog post themes over 20 years…
Blog post themes over 20 years… I’ve been writing blog posts for nearly 20 years […]
Lots of feedback is a GOOD thing!
Lots of feedback is a GOOD thing! A client in the middle of their AMS […]
Doing the reps…
Doing the reps… I’m helping a client with the implementation of a new AMS. During […]
Add one, remove one
Add one, remove one In the world of home-organizing, there’s the “one in, one out” […]
Spring cleaning, all year long
Spring cleaning, all year long I talk frequently about “weeding the garden,” the idea that proactively […]
