news.volyx.in

Things that aren't doing the thing (strangestloop.io)

517 points by downboots · 251 days ago · 211 comments on HN

Article summary

The article emphasizes that only actual action constitutes 'doing the thing', while preparations, planning, and talking about it do not. It lists various examples of activities that are not considered 'doing the thing', such as scheduling, making to-do lists, and reading about how to do it. The article's central message is that taking action is the only way to achieve something. The author argues that many people get caught up in preparatory activities and never actually start working on their goals.

Main themes

  • Action vs Preparation
  • Productivity
  • Procrastination
  • Goal Achievement
  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Learning and Education

What commenters say

  • Marketing and promotion are essential components of 'doing the thing' and should not be overlooked or postponed until the end.
  • Some preparatory activities, such as learning and research, are necessary steps towards 'doing the thing' and should not be dismissed as mere procrastination.
  • The distinction between 'doing the thing' and not doing it is not always clear-cut, and some activities may be necessary precursors to taking action.
  • Simply taking action without proper preparation or knowledge can lead to poor results or even harm, as seen in fields like medicine or construction.
  • The article's message can be seen as overly simplistic, as many complex tasks require a series of steps and preparations before actual action can be taken.
  • The value of groundwork and preliminary work should not be underestimated, as it often lays the foundation for successful completion of a project.
  • The article's central message can be applied to various fields, including software development, art, and music, where taking action and creating something is often more important than perfect preparation.
  • The line between 'doing the thing' and not doing it can be blurry, and some activities, such as writing about 'doing the thing', can be seen as a form of meta-action that still contributes to the overall goal.