Information is abundant. One can get lost in the abyss of data, knowledge, articles, podcasts, or how to videos.

What should be simple searches or light research can turn into hours of second guessing due to slightly differing online opinions.

It's easy to tell ourselves we are still making headway by gaining knowledge, but the truth is, no headway is made until a step is taken.

Research should not develop your entire path but point you in the direction of your first step. The experiences, failures, successes, and hardships will dig the dirt, roll it flat, and lay the stones on which to walk.

The challenge is not to become excellent in research, but in the iteration of our efforts. "Fail fast" is the most common expression, but in the words of Adam Savage (former host of Mythbusters): "what is really meant is for us to iterate fast".

Basically, quickly learn from your failures. Make changes and try again. Learn again. Repeat.

Learn how to adapt after you stub your toe. Learn how to pick yourself back up after you fall flat on your face. The truth is, you are going to fail in life. A lot. You're lying to yourself if you believe exhaustive research will prevent you from failing.

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear writes: "We are so focused on figuring out the best approach that we never get around to taking action...I refer to this as the difference between being in motion and taking action...We do it because motion allows us to feel like we're making progress without running the risk of failure." (p.142).

Don't be stagnant in motion. Research enough to take your first step, then step, iterating as you go.

#lessonsformychildren

#bepresent #BeIntentional #theintentionalfather