But wait, "Ready? Set. Go!"? Is this phrase always correct? Should you always be "set" before you "go?"

The answer is: not always. Let's take a step back to understand this using an example.

Running a Business vs. Running a Race

Running a business (or running your life) is not entirely like running a race. In a business, you don't usually have to practice for months for something that lasts a mere 10 seconds. Business plans are more likely to have a longer shelf life (well, at least longer than 10 seconds, I'd hope!). Nor do businesses stand on a racing line with their competitors and wait for formal instructions to begin.

On other hand, you do have to plan and practice in order to achieve success, whether you're a business builder or a sprinter. How else are these situations similar?

Similarities

Well, for one, competition is fierce. A business has other companies in its market. A person has other people in their expertise vying for same opportunities and jobs. A runner has other athletes aiming for gold.

Next, there is a common thread in terms of goals. A business wants to be market leader and innovator. A person aims for top in class, to become most knowledgeable or have a reputation for excellence. A runner's ultimate goal is gold. In essence, all three aim for top spot; to be number one in their field.

Lastly, motivation, inspiration and hard work are all requirements to succeed. I can't imagine a runner winning race if he's never up early in morning practicing. Nor will a business become number one in its industry if it doesn't have a clear vision or necessary people to succeed. And a person will not become successful and well-respected if he only works during a full moon between hours of 2 and 3 am. Okay, well maybe not that drastic, but you get my drift!

Differences

The most relevant distinction between businesses and athletes is idea of false starts. Starting before official whistle isn't allowed during races. In contrast, false starts are a common practice in business world. No business starts at same place, at same time as their competitors. Rather, businesses are often light years ahead in terms of new products, services, or other innovative business practices. Then, of course, competition will analyze success and attempt to replicate it!

False Starts

Well, what if false starts were allowed during races? Would it be fair? Instead, what if there was a tradeoff: runner can start 10 metres ahead of his competition but catch is that he would only be allowed minimal training and planning beforehand. So, chances are, sprinter won't be in as great of shape as his opponents. Is it fair now?

While we're not going to get into ethical or legal issues with false starts, it raises an interesting point. What if, instead of: "Ready? Set. Go!", we had:

Ready? Go! Tweak!

What does this mean? What does it entail? And how will you be directly affected?

Let's understand "Ready? Go! Tweak." concept a little more.

In almost all cases, it's better to start a race ahead of your opponents. When you're ahead, you have breathing room to make mistakes and improve, while still remaining in lead. But how do you actually start ahead of pack? It's simple:

Go before you're set.

That's whole concept of "Ready? Go! Tweak." summed up in a few words. It's idea of going live with best point-in-time information and also with understanding of potential risk of launching with reduced planning. You don't want to hang onto a project for too long since stalling could be far too damaging in long run.

While we're not debating whether planning is necessary in order to succeed (there's no doubt it is), we need to discuss extent of planning required to succeed.

Except when it is not.

Last week we had flu bug. (Actually, little sucker is still hanging around!) Our five year old was having such a hard time getting a breath that it hurt just to watch him. I have been able to lay in bed and on couch for a couple or three days. Did actions I take create this in my life?

When you are not feeling your best, and things seem to get out of control (as they sometimes do), then one begins to question strength of their beliefs.

Am I on correct path? There are so many from which to choose! Will I really be able to reach my current goals? Why does it sometimes seem so difficult? Do I really need to write another article? Who is even reading them?

This is place where I used to buckle up and get to work. I would remind myself that thoughts like these are my fears surfacing, and I must squash them before they can do me harm. Now, however, I think a little differently.