Why we created Orby – because taking action is where the magic is!

In the world of business, leadership, and even personal growth, finding the right balance between planning for something and making it happen is always a challenge. While planning is critical in guiding decisions and setting direction, it is action that brings plans to life.  And all too often, we can find ourselves stuck in planning, then refining the plan, then checking the plan – all without taking a step forward to making things happen in the real world.  

Without action, even the most detailed strategy becomes a wasted effort. The truth is - success often leans more on execution than on perfect preparation. 

This is why we built Orby for you.  Because we want you to make things happen in your organisation – not find yourselves spending month and months trying to figure out how to get your change happening.  

1. Plans Don’t Create Results, Actions Do

Plans are theoretical; they exist only on paper or in your mind until they’re executed. Action, on the other hand, transforms ideas into tangible outcomes. You could spend weeks refining a business strategy, a marketing campaign, or even a personal goal, but until you take the first step, progress remains out of reach.

Think of plans as a map. A map is essential for finding your way, but it won’t move you closer to your destination. Only by walking the path—or driving the route—do you make meaningful progress. Action is the engine that drives results, whereas planning is merely the blueprint.

We build your plan, based off evidence of what has worked in the past, so you can get onto creating results for your organisation.

2. The Perils of Overplanning

Planning can sometimes become a trap – a great excuse to procrastinate (we’ve done this too, trust us!). We’ve all experienced moments when we plan endlessly, waiting for the “perfect” time to act or tweaking details in search of a flawless strategy. This phenomenon, often called “analysis paralysis,” keeps people stuck in the planning phase. It’s rooted in fear—fear of failure, imperfection, or the unknown.

The irony is that no plan survives contact with reality. Markets change, competitors evolve, and circumstances shift. By the time you’re ready to execute your meticulously crafted plan, it may already be outdated. Over-planning can waste valuable time and energy that could have been spent on experimentation and iteration.

3. Action Leads to Learning

The best lessons come from doing, not from planning. When you act, you encounter challenges, surprises, and feedback that can’t be predicted in advance. This real-world experience is invaluable for refining your approach and achieving better outcomes.

Once you’ve started executing your plan, you can figure out what is hitting the mark, and what isn’t.  Failure is often seen as a roadblock, but in reality, it’s a stepping stone. Every failed attempt brings you closer to understanding what doesn’t work, paving the way for success. Without action, you miss these learning opportunities entirely.

4. Momentum Breeds Motivation

It’s easy to feel unmotivated when you’re stuck in the planning stage. The endless cycle of preparation can be draining, leaving you questioning whether your goals are achievable. In contrast, action creates momentum. Even small steps forward can boost your confidence and inspire you to keep going.

Psychologists refer to this as the “progress principle.” When you see evidence of your efforts paying off—even in minor ways—you’re more likely to stay motivated. For instance, if you’re trying to write a book, crafting the first paragraph (however imperfect) is far more energizing than endlessly planning your outline.

Because we listen to your challenges, translate this into a process that works and get you an executable plan quickly, this creates momentum for you, and for your teams.  You can enjoy hitting your milestones sooner.

5. Action Sparks Creativity

Contrary to popular belief, action doesn’t stifle creativity—it fuels it. When you dive into a project, your brain starts to connect ideas and solve problems in ways that planning alone can’t achieve. You encounter unexpected opportunities and solutions that weren’t apparent during the planning phase.

Consider the creative process of a filmmaker. While planning a movie is critical, the true magic often happens on set, during rehearsals, or in post-production. Similarly, in everyday life, taking action opens doors to new possibilities and innovations that static plans can’t predict.

6. Plans Can Be Adjusted Mid-Action

One of the most common arguments for planning is the need to avoid mistakes. However, taking action doesn’t mean abandoning strategic thinking—it means being flexible. Start with a basic plan, take action, and adjust as you go. This iterative process allows you to remain responsive to real-world challenges and opportunities.  We like to explain it as – ‘the plan is the plan until the plan needs to change’.

Tech startups often follow this principle through methodologies like agile development, where products are launched quickly, feedback is collected, and improvements are made iteratively. This approach emphasizes action over perfection and has been a game-changer in industries worldwide.

If you find you need to tweak your plan, you can make this change yourself, or come back to us so that we can reset it for you!

7. Action Builds Resilience

Planning may prepare you for challenges, but action builds the resilience needed to overcome them. When you act, you face real-world obstacles that test your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and perseverance. Over time, this builds confidence and resilience—qualities essential for long-term success.

Working with Orby finds the balance : Planning delivered for you, Action as the Driver

Planning provides a roadmap, sets goals, and helps align efforts. However, it should never overshadow action. The key is to find the right balance: plan enough to provide direction, then take decisive steps forward, adjusting as needed.  When you partner with us, we can get you a robust plan, based on what has been proven to work, in a shorter time that you would be able to create it – plus we give you all the detailed process information you need to make things work in each of your engagements.

This lets you put your energy into making your ideas come to life in your organisation – and that’s where you create the value.