Do Something

Whether it is a project, strategy work, starting a new business, developing services, or even preparing for an exam or writing a master's thesis, the challenge is the same. We can plan for years, but the reality is that the world changes rapidly during that time. As a result, we often drift into a spiral of overplanning and overanalyzing instead of moving forward.

This trap caught me too. When I was finalizing my thesis, I aimed for perfection. I changed the topic more than once, hoping to find the "ideal" angle. The breakthrough only came when I decided to stop searching for the perfect subject and commit to the one I had. It was not flawless, but it was real progress.

The best way to create something visible is simple: start. Do something. Learn, reflect, make mistakes, fail, and then continue.

There's often this assumption that only perfect solutions, flawless answers, or polished progress are acceptable. This mindset suggests that if something isn't perfect, it isn't valuable. But when we look closely at winning projects, breakthrough innovations, or inspiring success stories, we see a different truth.

Post-it Notes were born from a failed adhesive experiment at 3M [1]. Airbnb started with three air mattresses in a living room [2]. Thomas Edison called his failed attempts "ways that did not work" [3]. Spotify was far from perfect at the beginning but kept improving.

From my own experience, and from observing others, I've noticed that progress often comes from small but deliberate actions. What has helped me in most situations isn't big leaps but small, visible steps forward.

So how can we practice "do something" in everyday life?

• Start small: Try small experiments before scaling. If your dream is to build a house, why not first build a sauna at the summer cottage to see if construction really excites you?
• Seek feedback widely: Ask for input not only from close friends but also from people who know nothing about your project. They can reveal blind spots you might not see yourself.
• Make it visible: Give your project a face. Share sketches, drafts, or early versions. Visibility helps you stay committed and signals to others that the project is real.
• Repeat: Expose yourself to daily action. Even short bursts of progress matter. At the same time, remember that clarity often comes when you also allow pauses for reflection.
• Share and discuss: Talk about your ideas with others. Fresh perspectives can unlock new directions that you might not have considered alone.
• Ask for help: Don't be afraid to admit that you need support. We often underestimate our own abilities, and people are surprisingly ready to help if you just reach out.

The lesson is clear: don't wait for tomorrow. Don't wait for the perfect moment, because it rarely arrives. If you want to achieve something, begin today. Take the first step, however small.

References

[1] 3M (n.d.). History of Post-it® Notes. Post-it® Brand.

[2] Gebbia, J. and Chesky, B. (2007). The founding of Airbnb. GrowthHackers.

[3] Edison, T. A. (attributed). Quote on failed experiments. Rutgers University, The Thomas A. Edison Papers.