Life is an Adventure – Jump In or Slow and Steady… It’s Your Choice
There is a river… the Athabasca River… that flows through the Rocky Mountains which is perfect for rafting. Churning rapids or a calm steady flow, it has it all. And thus we, and a few of our friends, were inspired to take a couple of inflatable “canoes” down the river for an afternoon adventure. And oh, what an adventure it was to be.
When we first got in the river the canoe took on water; and being in the mountains, it felt like having a few buckets of ice thrown on us. However, after the initial shock we got used to it… kind of like sitting in a bathtub full of warm water. The first section of the river we went down was laden with rapids… quite an exciting ride to say the least. When it calmed down a bit, we decided to stop off on a small island to dump our bath water and continue the trip.
By this time we were in a full-fledged race against each other to see who could get to our landing point first. So dumping the water and getting back into the river was something we wanted to do very quickly. And that is how Pat got left out of the canoe. The other person in our raft was so determined to win that he took off before Pat could get in.
So here we have it… two people paddling like heck and Pat hanging on the back floating down the river. To this very day Lorna cannot understand how he could stay in that frigid water for so long.
We made it! We're at the landing point. So… Lorna decides to jump out and help pull the canoe to shore. Swoosh!! Down she goes! And remember, this water feels like an ice bath. She didn't realize the water was still very deep there; and after splashing around in a panic for a bit (and almost drowning), she manages to collect herself enough to swim to shore. Meanwhile, Pat has calmly swam over to shore from his position at the back of the canoe.
Two very different approaches to getting out of the water.
Think about it… we all have choices, different approaches we can take to almost anything in our lives. Even on how we approach our business.
We can jump in… just go for it when we have the basics set up, or we can take our time and have more of our systems in place before we begin.
By just jumping in when you have a couple of things in place, you can grow your business while you work on it. No need to be perfect… put something of value together for your customers and prospects and promote it to your target market. Doing it this way is counter-intuitive to the perfectionists… and yet perhaps just what they need. This method works well as long as corrections are made as you go along. The process is like this: get some feedback, correct and move forward (repeat).
Of course there is the other side of the coin… get the sites up and working, the systems in place, a few products to sell and then get out there and promote it. Still a great way to go… however the tendency in this situation is to keep working on the systems and the sites, and the business never gets going. Just be sure if you start your business the slow and steady way that at some point you get in the game.
Remember there are different approaches to everything. So do what feels right for you… jump right in or move along slow and steady… either way, we'll see you online!
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Darlene Davis
2010-08-22 @ 6:53 pm
It is clear that just jumping in and learning as you go is the better alternative. As a perfectionist, I’ve had to fight poking along until I knew everything. As Jeff Olson says in “The Slight Edge,” even when you’re driving your car you are constantly making adjustments in steering. That should apply in “jumping into” business, too.
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-25 @ 8:29 pm
Darlene,
Great analogy! And we know exactly what you mean about being a perfectionist… been there done that. Jumping in and making corrections as we go does seem to be the quicker path to getting businesses up and running.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
Dr. Erica Goodstone
2010-08-22 @ 7:17 pm
Pat and Lorna, What a wonderful story. So happy you both made it. I hate being cold like that (one of things I have been loving about Florida is how warm the outdoor pool is). Being an Aries, I tend to just jump in and get started, way before all the pieces are in place. And then I experience lots of frustration as I struggle to get the pieces in order. However, as I continue to get things working properly, I am connecting with others, hearing their comments, learning from the market – and gradually it all falls into place. I have some colleagues who keep procrastinating, wanting everything to be perfect before jumping in – and they are still on the sideliness intending to get going.
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-25 @ 8:30 pm
Erica,
It is so much better to be in the game and learning along the way, than in the stands watching others have fun and succeed!
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
Wendy Hewlett
2010-08-23 @ 8:19 am
I love how you found a way to liken your adventure to getting started in online business. I spent months learning about network marketing (I’m new to this) and internet marketing before I found someone who was able to help me get off the ground. As soon as I took this person’s 7 Day Bootcamp, I was up and running and haven’t looked back. So, I suppose I was a bit of both … I studied the business and success first, then jumped right in.
I went white water rafting when I was young. It’s such a great adventure and something that everyone should try at least once. I’m sure Pat didn’t enjoy it too much when he was hanging on the back of the canoe in frigid waters though!
Thanks for taking us along on your adventure!
Wendy
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-25 @ 8:34 pm
Wendy,
Cool… looks like you’ve found a way to combine the two ways of getting started. So glad that you did jump in and aren’t still sitting on the sidelines.
The trip was fun… and strangely enough Pat loved it all… even the float down the river without a canoe 🙂
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
Larry Bilich
2010-08-23 @ 1:13 pm
Hello Pat And Lorna,
Hey glad you guys made it to shore! I went rafting a couple of times and just loved it. I will have to try it again before I get too old…LOL .
Loved your post. I was guilty early on of getting set up but never seeming to get going. You are right on about getting into the game. Makes me think of the old saying…(Don’t wait for your ship to come in, swim out and get it!)
So thanks for reminding me of this very important step in building ones business.
You guys ROCK!
Wishing you both all my best 🙂
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-25 @ 8:41 pm
Larry,
We made it! And it was a blast (even though it was cold as heck).
Great quote… taking action is a sure-fire way to get where you want to go… in business and other aspects of life.
Thanks!
~ Pat and Lorna
Michael Berry
2010-08-23 @ 3:03 pm
Just jump in and enjoy the ride. My experience has been that same as yours people that want to get everything set up perfectly continue to do it and never really get started. They eventually use it as an excuse.
Great post,
Michael
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-25 @ 8:43 pm
Michael,
We agree… we feel that more people are the wait and see types rather than the jump in and get going variety. And we all know how well excuses serve us in our lives (not).
Thanks for the insight,
~ Pat and Lorna
Beth Allen
2010-08-23 @ 6:52 pm
Hey Pat & Lorna~ Wow, what a story! My heart is pumping, as I can relate to an exciting and hair-raising rafting story. I am quite an adrenaline junkie, so thought I would love rafting. Probably would still if my day hadn’t turned out as it did! I ended up getting a paddle jammed into my back/ shoulder from the guy behind me, fully dislocating my shoulder! Long story short, it was the most intense pain,and we had to wait at the next place we could pull off for a helicopter to come pull me out as I walked up the rock wall to get out! It was quite an experience!
Reminiscing aside, yes, you are totally right on with your analogy to business and life. Jump in and learn as you earn! Conditions are never perfect and there’s lots of fun to be had! Trust me, i have some great memories infused in there! 😉
Last thing….how did you put a poll in your blogpost? I LOVE that! Thanks guys, you rock!
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-25 @ 8:54 pm
Beth,
Wow… your adventure was a lot more intense than getting really cold. We can just imagine how much pain you went through to get out of there and to the medical attention you needed. An experience indeed!
That’s the main thing… have fun. Learning along the way and correcting our path is usually the most fun part of it all!
We use a plug in called “WP-Polls” to get those into our posts. A really Cool Tool!
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
Nicole Rushin
2010-08-23 @ 8:20 pm
I am a hands on learner. I use to have a garden center and having my hands in the dirt was so symbolic of who I was and am. I have to just make myself jump in or excuses will take over. We all learn differently.
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-25 @ 8:57 pm
Nicole,
That is so true… we do all learn differently… and that’s a cool way of looking at this. For some, jumping in and learning along the way may be way too much “hands-on”.
Thanks for pointing that out!
~ Pat and Lorna
Janette Stoll
2010-08-23 @ 8:41 pm
So true about jumping in. I see people over studying everything to the point of paralysis. Earn while you learn. As soon as you learn something, implement it, otherwise you’ll never jump in as you said. Terrific post!
Janette
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-25 @ 8:59 pm
Janette,
Oh… hate it when paralysis sets in… but we see it too often as well. And you’re right, if we don’t use what we learn quickly, then not only the knowledge fades… but the desire to use it as well.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
Scott Pollov
2010-08-24 @ 7:17 am
Pat and Lorna. Great story. My natural tendency is to wait until I have all my systems in place and everything is perfect before I jump in. However, I have learned a few things. Perfect is impossible – there are always improvements that can and should be made. Second, by waiting for perfect I am losing time against my competition. Third, there is no better way to work toward perfect than to have real-time information from trial and error. So, in summary, I would always suggest just jumping in rather than waiting for perfect. Thanks for another great post – you two rock!
Scott Pollov
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-25 @ 9:00 pm
Scott,
Thanks so much for sharing the things you’ve learned. Great advice for all of us.
~ Pat and Lorna
Christine Casey
2010-08-24 @ 10:52 am
Hi Pat & Lorna,
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this subject ~ I am one who jumped in, got a few things going, and continue to learn (and grow) as I go along. And, that was only after many years (trial & error) of feeling like I had to get ready before acting…this approach has worked so much better for me 😉
Christine
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-25 @ 9:03 pm
Christine,
It does seem like most people start out being the “wait until I’m ready” type, then once they learn that it’s better just to get in and get going, they flip and jump into action.
Thanks so much for sharing,
~ Pat and Lorna
Nelson Schroeder
2010-08-24 @ 12:02 pm
White water rafting. Great Analogy for an important subject. I tend to jump in but I do as Pat did and just hang on and go with the flow. Not a great action plan. But my excuse is I’m old.
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-25 @ 9:05 pm
Nelson,
Nothing wrong with going with the flow. It’s so much easier to connect with people that way 🙂
Doesn’t seem to us that you have a problem with your action plan… always seems to be something going on in your corner of the world.
Thanks!
~ Pat and Lorna
Gregory Elfrink
2010-08-26 @ 5:01 am
I have always been about jumping head first into things. Leaders make decisions fast and are slow to change from those decisions.
Besides, building a business, especially a network marketing one, works way better when you’re all gun’ho’ and up to your head in it. The faster you go, the easier it is to build. Just the way the law of attraction works…. in my opinion : – )
To the top,
-Gregory Elfrink
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-26 @ 8:16 pm
Gregory,
It’s true… our energy level seems to build when we just jump in and get things going, doesn’t it? And energy attracts…
Great point.
~ Pat and Lorna
Gary Young
2010-08-27 @ 11:28 am
Pat & Lorna.
What a rush! I have a underground river rafting in China story the is very similar. The important thing about taking risks is that you are prepared.
You had experienced people watching after you. Kind of like TSA.
You had a life vest to keep from drowning. Kind of like our relationships within the TSA group. I am sure you guys are many peoples life line.
Rafting and Blogging. God analogy
Gary
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-28 @ 5:42 pm
Gary,
We love the comparison you made with the support and relationships we develop in TSA to our rafting story. And it is true… in so many aspects of our lives we have the help and support of others to get us through.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
Dr. Adam Sheck
2010-08-27 @ 9:19 pm
P&L,
Great post highlighting the two extremes. Have to say, sometimes I jump in and then learn to swim, sometimes i get into that “paralysis of analysis”. I’m not consistent, yet I’m learning to trust myself more and more. On the Internet, I’ve become more of a fan of “imperfect action” being better than that “perfect mediocrity” as Alex Mondossian says. And I have much, much, MUCH more to learn.
Thanks,
Adam
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-28 @ 5:51 pm
Adam,
We know what you mean… we’re pretty sure that most everyone does a bit of both.
And we all have more to learn… learning is a life-long endeavor.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
Yorinda
2010-08-28 @ 12:28 am
Hi Pat and Lorna,
you daredevils.
That sport is too wild for me.
Anyway I started with a free wordpress blog trying not to make waves and then with the help of some great coaching I jumped in May this year and got my domain name and now I am even on this platform.
That has been a bit like white water rafting for me on the net.
Thanks for the great read and food for thought.
Have a great weekend.
Yorinda
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-28 @ 6:00 pm
Yorinda,
Keep the ride going… we wish you all the best in your journey and appreciate your support here in TSA and your wonderful comments.
Thanks so much,
~ Pat and Lorna
Howie Perks
2010-08-28 @ 3:09 pm
Hey Pat and Lorna,
I voted and am one that jumped right in and learned as I went along. Actually, still learning as I’m going along I should say 😉
I think the most important part is to actually take ACTION. So many times people get stuck in preparation and planning they never do anything. I know I have had to overcome this many times as somewhat of a perfectionist.
In Success,
Howie Perks
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-28 @ 6:16 pm
Howie,
We totally agree… without taking action we won’t get anywhere. We can plan all we want, but if we don’t take action then it doesn’t really matter how well we’ve planned.
Keep on taking action and learning along the way… we’re sure it’ll take you far!
~ Pat and Lorna
Peter Fuller MBA
2010-08-28 @ 6:00 pm
Hey Pat and Lorna
I took my time because I was in really no hurry.
Personally, if I was working a business opportunity I would have just jumped right in.
Sometimes people try to be too perfect and never launch.
As a well known marketer would say, just ship.
Peter
Pat & Lorna
2010-08-29 @ 2:38 pm
Peter,
We agree… jumping right in on a business opportunity is a good thing… it eliminates the paralysis of inaction.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
Pat & Lorna
2010-09-01 @ 10:57 am
Robin,
That is a good point… even though we may just jump in and get things going, it doesn’t mean we actually feel like we’re getting somewhere. There are definitely other factors to this equation.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
Bruce Backman
2010-09-04 @ 12:47 am
There is a great book by Michael Masterson called “Ready, Fire, Aim” that talks about this very concept. He points out that it is good to get yourself ready but if you actually try to get everything perfect first you probably won’t ever get started. So…in essence you do exactly as you describe above…get moving in action and then adjust as you go along.
Thanks for the great story and analogy.
Blessings!
Pat & Lorna
2010-09-04 @ 12:02 pm
Bruce,
Sounds like we’ll be adding that book to our library. Thanks for sharing.
~ Pat and Lorna
Monika Genehr
2010-09-06 @ 5:04 pm
Jumping in, even just testing the waters, is the only way to experience anything. I must say however that, the way you write about your dare-devilish and exhilarating adventure, is almost as being there in the “canoe” with you. So glad all went well for you. If there had been no icy bumping around, this might have been a dull story and this post would not have been written. But you lived to tell the tale and the icy bumpings and dumpings are just the icing on this cake of a tale.
Mike Pedersen
2010-09-19 @ 6:00 pm
Life is an adventure (and journey). And I choose to “jump in” most of the time. I am a Type A, hyper guy that has lots of dreams, and the only way to achieve dreams sometimes is to not wait until it’s perfect, but to take ACTION and do it! Waiting until all the stars are lined up could be a long wait. I think it’s fun to have to respond rapidly under pressure. Makes life more fun.
Regards,
Mike