The Cycle of Inactivity

Most good ideas die in planning

I was recently introduced to the Cycle of Inactivity, and I think we can all identify to some degree.

It looks a little like this:

Good Idea --> Procrastination --> Over-Planning --> Overthinking

Let's unpack the Cycle of Inactivity in a fashion business context.

Stage 1 - Good Idea:

You have an idea for a campaign, clothing design, video, or system for your streetwear brand, and you think it's pretty good!

Stage 2 - Procrastination:

But because you are super busy with whatever you are working on at the time, you put it off for later. Maybe MUCH later. You say things like, "I'll do that when I have enough time and money," or, "that's a back pocket idea."

Stage 3 - Over-Planning:

By the time you start making something of the idea, you plan and plan and plan until it's perfect. Only that it's never perfect. So you continue planning.

Stage 4 - Overthinking:

By this stage, you have something that's technically good enough to show the world. In fact, it was good enough 5 iterations ago. But instead, you've be looking at the plan for so long and found yourself so close to it that all you can see are imperfections.

I present to you.... the Cycle of Inactivity!

If you're anything like me, sometimes you are a bit of a perfectionist and find yourself in the Cycle of Inactivity.

And if that's true for you today, allow me to set you free...

Here's the thing:

The only reason a brand like NIKE can put something perfect out each time,

is because those behind the project have allowed themselves to fail

many many times.

And even NIKE doesn't put something perfect out each time.

My point is this:

Stop holding your brand to the standard of those who've already got it wrong.

Your genius lies on the other side of execution.

Start before you're ready.

Here to help,

Elijah

P.S. If you are ready to kill inactivity and take massive action, join a community of other brand owners who are already doing so. ​Click on this link to join Streetwear365 for free now.