Aug 2, 2021 in Life Coaching

Don't Think

Don't think, just do.

9 members found this to be effective.

It's your turn now! Let's support each other by clicking "Helpful".

+1

Article cover image

DISCUSS #Relationship

DISCUSS #Parenting

While growing up and navigating through uncharted seas of childhood, I was learning to think for myself, which according to my father was not allowed. He would tell me to clean out the garage or rake leaves, and If I didn't do it the way he felt it should be done he would tell me in his fatherly way, “I didn’t tell you to do it that way,” or “what did I tell you to do,” or some variation of that question which led me to believe he did not appreciate the way I was performing the task at hand.

I would then reply, "but I thought that if-" which is about all I could get out of my mouth when he would cut me off and tell me "Well don't think, just do!"

I always thought he was nuts when he said that. I thought that's exactly what we are supposed to do is think. We are supposed to think of better ways to do things, and ways to improve our culture. 

I didn't argue with the man, just said yes, and did whatever chore he said to do again, grumbling about how he didn't understand.

Years later did I realize just how intelligent the man was! In fact, Nike built a whole ad campaign based on my Dad's orders; Just Do It!

We think too much, oftentimes getting caught up in having to solve every detail of a project before even starting. I have clients who tell me how they've defeated themselves because they can't seem to figure out step 15 when they haven't even attempted step 1 to begin with!

My favorite activity is backpacking. I love to get out in the woods and be one with nature firsthand. While hiking 70 miles of the Appalachian trail, I ran into a group that was hiking the entire trail from Georgia to Maine, which is just short of 2,200 miles through, up, over, and around the Appalachian Mountains. 

Now, when you hike a distance like that, you are carrying your bedroom, kitchen, dining room, bathroom and pantry on your back, condensed in about 40 pounds for a continuous six months.   

I asked them how do you plan for a 2.200-mile trip, and their answer was, "you just go." That floored me, but after a while, it started making sense. When you start, it's no big deal, like going for a walk. After a thousand miles in, are you going to ask yourself what in the world are you doing and give up and turn around? 

When I think too much, it's usually about what will go wrong, and paint a picture of failure before I even start… I catch myself saying things like  "this will never work," "why would anybody talk to me?"  What value can I bring?"

Someone once told me, if you are going to make up stuff, at least make up positive stuff. 

Better yet, don't makeup stuff at all. 

Instead, take my dad's advice; 

Don't think, just do.

Articles that helped others

Article illustration image
Ann Verster's profile image
Jun 16, 2022
Spiritual Life Coaching

What is a Spiritual Life Coach?

Life Coaching
Number of helpful indications
18
Article illustration image
Shanane  Fleming's profile image
May 13, 2020
Why You Need A Life Coach

Most people have no idea if they need a life coach or what a life coach is or does. Here I will explain what a life Coach is

Life Coaching
Number of helpful indications
10
Article illustration image
Chasity  Miller 's profile image
Mar 7, 2020
What is Life Coaching

Life Coaching is Mentoring with a Twist. We are not here to coach you with no results. We hold you Accountable !

Life Coaching
Number of helpful indications
4

WikiExpert - Effective Support That Helped Others

WikiExpert - Effective Support That Helped Others

Welcome to WikiExpert! Effective Solutions Trusted by Others

Have you recently checked the "Discuss with Experts"?

Together, for Support WE TRUST!

Already have an account? Log in