Questions are useless. We hide behind questions to protect ourselves from taking action—action that would give us all the answers we seek, along with learnings and a journey that shapes another worldview to act on. Procrastinators tend to ask questions; builders build and get feedback. There’s a difference. Those who are guilty will be able to self-diagnose whom I’m referring to—myself included.

Most of the time, if not always, the time to execute is much quicker than asking the questions. Asking the question, developing the strategy, deciding if the strategy is correct, believing the question is pointless, asking the question again, continuing the strategy until finished, parking it to see if the question is still valid… need I go on?

Most of our learnings are gained when putting hypotheses into action. Questions aren’t action; they’re an observation. They’re a good start to get the ball rolling and the fire burning but can be a coward’s way to hide from doing the necessary. Getting into the trenches and applying what you think you know is the route to profitability. Developing a deeper level of understanding, proving yourself right or wrong, and gauging the real world is far more valuable than a “what if?”

Feedback is the result you want but can’t get with a question and no action. Feedback provides more tangible insights because the person on the other end has something tangible to work with. More honesty, thought, and rigour are applied. It’s hard to envision the invisible. It doesn’t need to be said though—you’re already aware. The results you’re seeking are much more well thought out when you show instead of tell. Things worth working for are the most sought after.

If you have the time and resources and want to reap the benefits of a question, take action. It’s easy to get caught up in overthinking and seeking reassurance before making a move, but that’s a game that stops growth. You’ll cherish the insights and learn a lot more along the way when taking action on your ideas.