12 Comments
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Adrien Saell's avatar

What this names so well is the way preparation can become a sophisticated form of hiding.

I especially liked the idea that planning stops being clarifying at a certain point and starts creating distance between us and what we already know we need to do...

Cory Deighan's avatar

“Sophisticated form of hiding” is such a great way to put it.

That shift from clarity to distance is subtle…but you can really feel it after the fact. Thank you for reading!

Ian Callister's avatar

I was and probably am still guilty of this, great article Cory.

Cory Deighan's avatar

You & me both, Ian. This actually started as a journal entry for me before I decided to expand on my reflection. It's just so easy to get stuck in that loop!

The Sanctum Gate's avatar

Yes, those who build know the pitfalls of planning (or are about to learn about them). Standing behind the curtain is a perfect allegory, by the way. Very enlightening piece 👏

Cory Deighan's avatar

I appreciate you! Thank you for checking it out.

That’s how it tends to feel…close enough to feel it, but not quite in it yet.

Gio Marquez's avatar

I have found myself in this loop many times before. Action is the only way to break what you hide behind as being productive. There’s nothing wrong with planning unless that’s all you’re doing.

Cory Deighan's avatar

I like how you put that...especially the “unless that’s all you’re doing” part.

Planning definitely has its place. It just gets tricky when it becomes the whole thing.

Gio Marquez's avatar

No doubt, thank you for the message behind this piece man!

Cory Deighan's avatar

Thank you for reading my man 🤝

John Collins's avatar

I love that you shared this.

There’s a point where more planning doesn’t bring clarity. It just creates distance from action.

I was “almost ready” to leave my corporate career and start a second act for a long time before realizing the only way forward was to start small and see what happened.

Thanks for sharing this perspective.

Cory Deighan's avatar

Thank you, John!

Planning "creates distance from action" is such a good way to put it.

That “almost ready” phase can stretch way longer than we think.

Being willing to start small & experiment really is what breaks the loop.