The Achiever's Bias for Action

Copyright 2005 by Dr. William G. Covington, Jr.

A bias for action separates doers from mere dreamers. Action leaves something in its wake. People who leave legacies are action-oriented. They don't wait for ideal circumstances, they act regardless of what is happening around them. Action reveals inner thoughts. It is the means by which those thoughts take the form of physical reality. John Locke said as much when he noted, "The actions of men are the best interpreters of their thoughts." Early American writer David Thomas (1776-1859)was well aware of the significance actions leave when he wrote, "unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls."

Everyone has intentions, both active and passive people. It's the follow-up that is the demarcation point between those who make a difference and those who simply exist by default. Swedish scientist and theologian Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) described this difference. He observed, "To will and not to do when there is opportunity, is in reality not to will; and to love what is good and not to do it, when it is possible, is in reality not to love it." One might add, that if true passion exists, there will be action.

Another benefit of the bias for action is that it keeps you engaged with life. The reality of the cliche, "if you don't use it you lose it," is expressed more eloquently by Gamaliel Bailey when he wrote, "The firefly shines whenon the wing; so it is with the mind; when we rest we darken."
Early American clergyman Robert S. MacArthur (1841-1923) saw healing virtue associated with action. Rather than being a negative, he viewed positive work as a gift. He noted, "Activity is God's medicine; the highest genius is willingness and ability to do hard work. Any other conception of genius makes it doubtful, if not a dangerous possession." So to MacArthus, thinking was only the beginning of a process. The fruition came about in the doing.

Even small actions have significance. In fact, larger projects are only a culmination of small acts. A bias for action is what makes achievers what they are. Jesus told His followers that even if they gave a glass of water in His Name it would not go unnoticed.