Do It Right The First Time
Heard a quote today:
If you do it right the first time, you don’t have to go back and do it a second time.
-Jaret Grossman
My initial reaction to that is well of course. Why wouldn’t you just want to do it once the correct way and move on to greater things? After all, I tell my kids this all the time. Stop moving so quickly, focus, and get it done right. We hear it from many places: don’t waste time, get it done.
In my world of technology and the web, I find it challenging to get it done right the first time. The world changes quickly and that means what problems were trying to solve may no longer need solving in 3 months.
One company I did consulting for had a saying:
“Listen to what the CEO wants and nod your head, but don’t bother do anything as he’ll change his mind in 6 weeks.”
Not really the best motto to live by.
This quote has been on my mind quite a bit. Looking back at what I did to prepare for the Leadville 100 Mile Trail Run, I already know the answer. I knew that I didn’t put in enough time on my feet to complete one of the hardest ultras in the country. Before making the drive, I knew this. Even with that in mind, I showed up to the starting line at 4am on that chilly August morning ready to be taught a lesson.
Even with all that, I made it to mile 52. I would have kept going, but I was more then 30 minutes past the course cutoff requirement.
So while I did not “do it right the first time,” I did see the entire course and learn more than I could have imagined. The excitement I have to return to Leadville and complete the course is difficult to contain at times. I have a countdown clock telling me how close I am.
Sometimes we have to suffer defeat in order to realize great success.
