Two frogs sat on a log. One decided to jump off. How many frogs are left? What's your answer?
I've posed this riddle to many business development training class participants. Most respond, "One." Others say, "Two, it's a trick question." It's not a trick question, but it does trick some people. The question itself is quit simple and clear, if you think about it. Yet, most don't - think about it - so they answer, "One," because deciding and jumping are often considered synonymous. They are most definitely not.
The answer is "two." Because, while one frog decided to jump off, he hasn't jumped. If he had, I would say, "One jumped off. How many frogs are left?"
The point is to call attention to the difference between deciding to do a thing and the actual doing of that thing. Deciding is important. It often follows contemplation and potentially included weighing the consequences of several options. Yet, if doing, jumping, acting does not follow the decision, nothing changes. We are all guilty of "deciding" to do something and never following with the first jump.
Here's where I interject in one of my favorite axioms, "If nothing changes, nothing changes." In other words to get the change we want, we have to change what we are doing. We have to jump. Actual change begins with action.
Deciding to lose weight, to get stronger, smarter, or happier are very good decisions, with edge sharpening potential. But, until you jump, until you change eating habits, get more exercise, lift more weight, read more books, or pursue happiness-inspiring behaviors, you are still that frog sitting on a log. Jump!