It’s Clear: ‘When Preparation Becomes a Form of Procrastination’

“When preparation becomes a form of procrastination, you need to change something.”

Those are the words James Clear uses in one of the many anecdotes he shares in his must-read (or must-listen, in my case) book, “Atomic Habits.”

‘When Preparation Becomes a Form of Procrastination’

I recently wrapped up reading—ahem, listening on Audible—the book that strikes at the core of our very makeup.

That one line had me pushing the “30 seconds back” button several times. I wrote it down in my phone’s notes because it struck me as a key statement about what my own deep dive into distraction is all about.

Sometimes you just have to do stuff. That’s the way to actually focus.

‘Where Is My Mind?’

I’m writing this while watching a Philadelphia Eagles game (Go Birds!) after putting my kids to bed on a later-than-normal night.

I could have just taken the note, ruminated on it and left it alone, but it stuck in my head all day. It was time to ignore my text chains and just focus on typing out the words coming from my mind.

Why do I need some distraction to eventually take action? What things must I change to focus and just do it?

Asking those questions is a start, but it isn't the destination.

Trying to steal our attention

That's the thing: everything is trying to steal our attention. Heck, the Birds just scored a long touchdown that caused me to jump out of my chair. Now that’s a distraction. But maybe that movement was just what I needed to get the blood flowing in a different direction.

I no longer could keep thinking about writing this entry. I needed to just start typing. Then, I needed to keep writing.

Will there be some spelling msitkaes? Of course. Some grammar that’s not so great? Yup!

Much of the great (OK how about just good) art, impactful writing and meaningful thoughts flow only after you give them a chance to happen.

Sometimes the little change is that first step.

Taking a first step using my own advice

I run marathons (17 to date), I’m a runner. That’s because I’ve done it. I’ve put in the work to be able to say ,“I run.” 

At times, friends and colleagues have asked advice on becoming a runner themselves. My response is to step outside TODAY and walk one time around the block. Tomorrow, make it two blocks. After walking three blocks on the third day, just start jogging the same route the day after.

Dan Stamm surrounded by his parents, sister and brother-in-law after completing the 2008 New York City Marathon.

The change from sedentary lifestyle to runner isn’t to immediately start running— it’s about learning how to walk again first. The change is putting yourself in motion.

Then, you can call yourself a runner. 

Now I’m excited to find out my next identity. What’s gonna be yours? Email me with your action.