"Just Do It" :-) A Call to Action for Business Culture
When I reflect on what sets great businesses apart, it’s not always strategy, innovation, or even talent—it’s action. The willingness to get things done. Recently, I found myself frustrated (not for the first time) with the pace at which some employees were completing tasks that I viewed as simple, same-day, 5 minute jobs. This frustration, though, led me to a larger realization: perhaps it’s time to focus less on managing individual tasks and more on cultivating a culture that prioritizes decisive, meaningful action.
The Wisdom of Getting Things Done
Some of my favorite business leaders have summed it up better than I ever could:
- “Done is better than perfect.” – Sheryl Sandberg
- “Screw it, let’s do it.” – Richard Branson
- “Real artists ship.” – Steve Jobs
- “If you never try, how will you know if there is ever a change?” – Jack Ma
The common thread? Action. These quotes all underline the importance of forward momentum, even if it means stumbling along the way. What holds many businesses back is an overreliance on phrases like:
- “I’ll get back to you next week.” Translation: This isn’t a priority.
- “Let’s circle back.” Translation: This idea is headed for limbo.
- “Put it in the parking lot.” Translation: This action may never see daylight.
- “Let’s schedule that.” Translation: Why not just handle it now?
These phrases reflect a culture of postponement. And the larger a company grows, the more pervasive this problem becomes. Cognitive endurance—the ability to push past the temptation to delay—is essential. And yet, those who weren’t there in the early, scrappy days of a business may lack this sense of urgency. Even those who were there from the beginning can grow complacent over time.
In today’s fast-paced world, the reality is clear: every day must be treated like Day 1.
Building a Culture of Action
To combat the inertia that creeps into organizations, I’ve adopted a few guiding principles to foster a bias for action for myself:
The 5-Minute Rule
If a task, idea, or action takes less than five minutes and can directly benefit a customer or a colleague—do it immediately. Don’t let it linger in your inbox or on your to-do list. This approach is especially rich in results in an in-office setting, where collaboration and momentum thrive. Remote work, often dampens urgency and speed.
Task, Project, or Ritual?
I divide work into three categories:
- Tasks: These are small, manageable actions—fewer than three steps. On a typical day, I aim to complete 3-7 critical tasks that keep the business moving forward.
- Projects: These require more time and cognitive effort. I tackle projects during my peak brainpower hours (usually 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.).
- Rituals: Recurring activities that ensure consistency and progress. A ritual is usually a cadance trigger (Do this every ____ weeks) or a trigger (If this happens, then do this____)
Never Make Them Ask Twice
Whether it’s a customer or a colleague, don’t make them ask for something twice. It’s inefficient, disrespectful, and creates unnecessary friction. If you can’t meet a deadline, communicate an ETA and hold yourself accountable to meet it. Reliability builds trust—and trust drives results.
Plant the Tree Today
There’s a timeless proverb I love: “The best day to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The second-best day is today.” This is a reminder to invest in the future, no matter how hectic the present may feel. Whether it’s your career, your family, or your personal growth, the actions you take today will shape the shade you enjoy tomorrow. (Another blog post just about this is coming soon).
Action Fuels Momentum
Business is built on trying, failing, learning, and adapting. The companies that succeed are those that act quickly and build on what works. Every day is an opportunity to push forward—to ship the product, solve the problem, or close the deal.
Hope ya'll have a good week and to my employees, I hope this blog helps understand me more!
– Ben
Ps. Go Bills, nice win this weekend.
