Why do so many great ideas never make it into reality? In this episode, we explore Arnold Glasow’s wisdom on the power of action and why execution is the difference between success and regret. Learn practical steps to act on your ideas and start building momentum today.
Show Notes:
- Read “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield for insight on overcoming resistance.
- Explore James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” for small actions that lead to big changes.
- Learn more about the patent story of the telephone.
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Welcome to the Leadership Quotient. I’m Dusty Holcomb. And each day, I’ll share a meaningful quote and explore how it applies to leadership and personal growth. Together, we’ll unpack lessons that help you lead yourself and others with purpose and clarity. Let’s get started.
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24. An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied Arnold Glassow. How many brilliant ideas are locked away? Never to see the light of day. If you don’t ACT on an idea, does it really exist?
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Today we’re diving into what separates thinkers from doers, and how YOU can close the gap. Let’s start with this story. In the 18 seventies Elisha Gray and Alexander Graham Bell were racing to patent the telephone. Gray had the idea and even drafted a patent, but he hesitated to file it immediately. Bell elected first, securing the patent and the place in history.
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Gray’s idea was brilliant, but inaction made it irrelevant. Ideas are abundant. What’s rare is the courage to act. As leaders, we often wait for the right time or more information. But those delays can be costly.
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The greatest barrier isn’t a lack of ideas. It’s the fear of starting. So let’s put this in action. What’s one thing that you can do today to advance an idea? It doesn’t need to be monumental.
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Even small actions create momentum. And as you move forward, the fear of failure diminishes because action builds clarity and confidence. Here are some additional thoughts on how you can move from idea to action. 1st, name the idea. Write it down.
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Ideas feel intangible until you make them real on paper or a screen. 2nd find the first step, identify the smallest easiest action you can take to start building momentum. 3rd reframe failure. Ask yourself what’s the worst that can happen. Most of the time, the answer reveals that inaction is the bigger risk.
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Action is what turns potential into progress without it. Even the greatest ideas are meaningless. The question isn’t whether your idea is good. It’s whether you’ll act on it. What idea have you been holding onto waiting for the perfect moment?
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Commit to one action today to bring it to life. You don’t have to finish the race in one day, but you’ll never finish it if you don’t start. Thanks for joining me on the Leadership Quotient. I hope today’s quote gave you something to think about and apply in your leadership journey. If you found value in this episode, I’d love for you to share it, subscribe, or leave a review.
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Leadership is a journey. Keep moving forward, and I’ll see you next time.
