Experimentation versus contemplation

I’ve noticed a growing trend in questions from clients that has helped me to a clarifying revelation.
The questions usually begin with a shopping list of options:
1. I could do this or
2. I could do that or
3. I could do nothing or
4. I could do something completely different and
5. I HAVE TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION
So it occurred to me today that we do not have to make the right decision.
We just have to make A decision to do something that gets us out of that proverbial front door that I keep going on about.
I want to stop hearing clients tell me they have sat on their sofa, in their home office, in their tower block – contemplating the “right decision” and doing nothing.
Scientific progress is made through experimentation – the 9,999 light bulbs that didn’t work.
Artistic progress is made through experimentation – the canvases and manuscripts that were never finished or allowed into sunlight.
Business progress is made through experimentation – through the experiences of events and relationships.
If I had never experimented, I would either still be a bored financial planner or a coach who worked 40 hours a week flat out to support 30 clients with 1:1 phone calls (and was still bored).
I experimented my way to the Coaching Gym, to leveraging my time, to working with dentists and coaches, to developing weekly work-out logs, call-in days, webinars and blogging.
Tomorrow I begin experimenting with podcasting. I have no idea if it will work – don’t care – I’ll just try and see what happens.
Stop contemplating and start experimenting.

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Chris Barrow

Chris Barrow has been active as a consultant, trainer and coach to the UK dental profession for over 20 years. As a writer, his blog enjoys a strong following and he is a regular contributor to the dental press. Naturally direct, assertive and determined, he has the ability to reach conclusions quickly, as well as the sharp reflexes and lightness of touch to innovate, change tack and push boundaries. In 2014 he appeared as a “castaway” in the first season of the popular reality TV show “The Island with Bear Grylls”. His main professional focus is as Coach Barrow, providing coaching and mentorship to independent dentistry.