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About This Episode
What does it take to actually achieve our goals? For one reason or another, most people never accomplish the things they say they will. It's one thing to talk endlessly about future plans, and another to courageously take risks and execute them. In this episode, Nathan discusses how he learned to shift his mindset so he can focus on getting things done to make his plans a reality.
Nathan encourages listeners to be someone who takes action, not just someone who talks about what action they're going to take, but someone who actually executes and gets things done.
Are You the One Fool in One Thousand?
While doing deck repairs for clients, Nathan was discussing his real estate investment plans when the client interrupted him with life-changing advice: "You know, Nathan, everyone has an idea, but only one fool in a thousand actually does something."
This wisdom continues to guide Nathan's decisions. He's noticed many people share ideas and talk about what they're going to do, or when someone else succeeds, they claim they had the same idea—as if thinking it up but doing nothing about it makes them equivalent to those who executed.
Why It's Hard to Execute Good Ideas
Nathan wants listeners to be people who actually execute and look back on accomplishments—not people who reach the end of life having always shied away from risk and left things undone. He references "Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity" which explains why execution is so difficult.
From the book: "The more original your idea is, the less good advice other people will be able to give you... There's a reason why feelings scare us, because what they tell us and what the rest of the world tells us are often two different things."
The book explains that friends may love you but don't want you to change—if you change, their dynamic with you changes too. They prefer things stay as they are. Business colleagues may resist good ideas because "good ideas alter the power balance in relationships. That's why good ideas are always initially resisted."
Sharing Ideas for Validation Undermines Execution
Nathan recalls pitching a business idea (which he coincidentally never executed) when a friend asked crucial questions: "Are you sharing this business idea because you want them to validate your idea, or because you want them to give you money to execute it? Take the time, refine your ideas, get the data and go to this guy when you have it completely figured out and you're ready for him to give you money."
He references Andy Frisella's technique for shutting down unprepared pitchers: "Okay, let me write the check. Where should I write it to?" Many people create amazing PowerPoints and logos but can't tell an investor where to write the check because they don't even have a business bank account.
The challenge: Are you focusing on the wrong things with your ideas, seeking validation before you're ready, scared of what execution will do to your relationships? Or are you someone who can take that gut feeling based on your skills and actually execute it?
Nathan concludes from experience that it's extremely rewarding to execute ideas rather than just talk about them. "Take that gut feeling, take that belief that the world needs what you have to offer and go get it done."