I’ve seen a lot of people lately working on a “startup,” but one problem I see is everyone (generally speaking) tries to stop and analyze every detail to be fully prepared for what may potentially lie ahead, especially at Hacker News. That’s their problem though.

Whether it’s growing a business, building a relationship, or trying to decide where to go for dinner tonight, just stop and take a second to realize how much you’re slowing yourself down by trying to think everything through—just do it.

Take whatever action you feel needs to be done to grow your business. Do whatever you feel you should do to make your relationship work the best you can. Just pick a place for dinner. Be spontaneous and daring. Be ready to learn what works and what doesn’t, or what tastes good and what tastes bad; even if it means you are put through some troubling times or learn a weakness or two about yourself.

Embrace new and uncomfortable experiences, and look forward to change. Just do what feels right.

I recently had the pleasure to talk with Dustin Curtis and read a recent—rather blunt—rant on American Airlines’ website usability. In his response to AA’s letter in reply, he states:

I didn’t realize this was happening (referring to understanding his thirst to become better) until I saw a video of Ira Glass, the host of This American Life, explaining the phenomenon as it relates to writing and production. He points out how that gap between ability and taste drives creative people to achieve great things. But I think it goes deeper than that. I think you can abstract taste one level further from the people of a company and apply it to the culture of the company.

I think his viewpoint is a tad pretentious, and what we’re seeing here is really a company who is afraid to put itself in a new position, be it out of fear or some sort of analytical paralysis that says if it’s new, it might not work. I think good ‘taste’ comes from a willingness to change—rather, an insistence on change for the better leads to what comes across as tasteful.

…which leads me to my point:

What is the right thing to do is usually difficult to commit to because it doesn’t feel comfortable. It tests your willpower and how much you can trust your own judgment. Knowing the details is important, but taking action is more important. Yes, I’m writing this partly because I’ve found myself second-guessing my intentions based on theoretical outcomes, but I think it’s a little bit of wisdom many people don’t take heed of. Take charge; be bold; just do it.

Do you think people freeze up when it’s time to act? Have you had an experience where you should have taken action but didn’t?

Join the discussion on Hacker News.