Is Action Generational?

It is that time of year where custom suggests we review what went on in 2008 and plan for what we want to do in 2009. As I've done this, I realize that I get caught in the "thinking" at times more than the "doing". Yes, I've added breaking that habit to my 2009 list!

A conversation with a 60 something Italian immigrant started me thinking about how different generations handle think vs do. Robert made an interesting statement that he studied science because that is what you did to get a job. Then, in your free time, you could study the things you enjoy like philosophy, language, etc. What a stark contrast to the current generation of college students! Most do not subscribe to that philosophy. The train of thought is to find what you enjoy doing (even love, if you are lucky) and pursue it.

Robert's generational thought was do it because you had to. The current generation is do it because you want to. Where does that leave my generation? The ones in the middle.

To move from the "have to" to the "want to" generation, we had to move through the "think about it" generations. A bridge exists from one side to the other and that is where my generation hangs out. I used to take pride in all my thinking, but now I realize, a good part of that thinking is an excuse not to act, not to step outside my comfort zone. I see that pattern in others. A multi-billion dollar industry (self-help) exists to help us think through things. Unfortunately, many of us don't get past the thought part. We walk back to our parents side of the bridge and start the process over again.

Thinking is good. But, thought followed by action, changes the world. Stop thinking and do.