Why Most People are Not Doers

I had a friend send me an upset message today.

She had posted a photo on Facebook, and almost immediately, her professor from her grad school days tells her how much he disapproved.

I can understand both where my friend and her professor are coming from. What interested me most about the situation though is that despite the friction over the photo, ultimately, my friend created something. And despite the disapproval, she is still posting more photos.

She is still executing.

Some people are great doers; some are not. I have been on both sides of the spectrum. I've realized many times I fail to do what I want to do because I fear it won't be nearly as grand as it is in my mind. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone.

Another friend posted a message to herself on Facebook. It went something like, "Okay self, get it in gear. You have five days of free time to write your book. You know your story is going to be big--right up there with Lord of the Rings, so start writing it now."

I thought, "Wow, when did she get her exciting idea?" I figured it must be a new development in her life. I had the chance to ask her about it in person. She's had this same idea for over fifteen years and has yet to actually write about it.

Another person once talked about his book idea for a solid fifteen minutes, and after he was done talking, I still had no idea what his book was about.

A young woman once told me she was so excited to write her book. I asked her what it was about and she said, "I can't explain it, but it's going to be the next Harry Potter."

I love these people, but none of them are actually doing anything!

When I think about my friend who is putting herself out there and getting a little hurt, it makes me realize many of these other people are not getting down to the nitty gritty because some part of them fears failure. Especially because they've set their sights so high.

It can be pretty disappointing when you put yourself out there and you get a negative response. Or worse, no response. But the benefit my photographer friend has is she can learn from the experience, and learn to deal with risk. She is ahead, because having someone critique your work means work exists to be critiqued.