Why Action Trumps Perfection: Thomas Hoon on Moving Before You Feel Ready

In a recent LinkedIn post, Thomas Hoon delves into the crucial difference between preparation and procrastination, arguing that decisive action, even in the face of uncertainty, is the true hallmark of pioneers and successful individuals. Hoon challenges the common notion that one must be perfectly ready before starting a new venture or project.

The Perils of Waiting for Certainty

Hoon contends that the pursuit of a perfect plan can often be a guise for inaction. He highlights a historical anecdote about Ren Qingtai, who is credited with making China’s first movie in 1905. Without a guide or precedent, Qingtai simply picked up a camera and began. Hoon uses this story to illustrate his central point:

“Not because either man was ready. Not because the time was perfect. But because they moved before they felt sure.”

This historical example serves as a powerful metaphor for today’s rapidly changing world. As Thomas Hoon points out, the plans made today can quickly become obsolete, making the feeling of complete readiness an elusive, and perhaps even detrimental, state to seek.

‘Ready People’ vs. ‘Fast People’

Drawing from his 13 years of experience in China assisting founders with business and culture, Hoon observes a recurring pattern: those who are perceived as ‘ready’ often lose out to those who are ‘fast’ and willing to act. He elaborates on this observation:

“Getting ready can feel like progress. It is not. The perfect version in your head will never be real. Only the one you actually make will.”

This distinction is critical for entrepreneurs and innovators. Hoon suggests that the mental exercise of planning and preparing, while seemingly productive, can distract from the essential task of creation and execution. The ‘perfect’ idea exists only in theory until it is brought into reality, a process that inherently involves iteration and learning from mistakes.

Embracing Imperfection for Progress

Hoon encourages his audience to question their own readiness and to consider the potential cost of waiting. He frames the core dilemma:

“So ask yourself: Are you building something, or are you waiting until you feel ready?”

According to Hoon, history favors those who take the leap, understanding that learning and improvement are integral parts of the journey, not prerequisites. The modern business landscape, characterized by volatility and unpredictability, demands agility and a willingness to adapt. Waiting for absolute certainty is a strategy destined for obsolescence. Instead, Hoon advocates for a proactive approach, emphasizing that the act of starting, experimenting, and learning from missteps is the most reliable path to pioneering achievements.