Reflections on Thirukkural 671: Delay Not - The Power of Timely Action

“As the end of deliberation is decision

It is harmful to delay execution.” (Thiruvalluvar)

Once a decision is made, delaying action—even briefly—weakens our commitment and hinders our success, allowing doubt, fear, and procrastination to grow like weeds in our mind. Often, hesitation arises from perfectionism, self-doubt, fear, overwhelm, resistance to change, or a lack of true purpose. Yet, taking immediate action sustains enthusiasm, strengthens commitment, fuels confidence, and builds self-discipline. Action, however small or imperfect, is far more powerful than waiting for the elusive 'perfect' moment, which often never comes. Moving forward with courage transforms us from passive dreamers into active creators, fully capable of shaping our lives in alignment with our intentions.

Success in any endeavor, whether personal or professional, requires pairing clear intentions with consistent, bold actions. Once a decision is made, decisive execution is crucial; without it, even the best plans can stagnate or lose momentum. Immediate action is essential for achieving our goals and living effectively.

On the other hand, when we rationalize our inaction and delay moving forward, we form habits that can lead to a passive, victim-oriented mindset, where we feel that 'life happens to me.' Each time we hesitate to act on a meaningful idea or inner calling, we distance ourselves from our potential, miss valuable opportunities, and weaken our capacity to make an impact. As a result, our beautiful intentions remain confined within our minds, producing no tangible results in the outer world.

Consistent, courageous action enables us to forge our own path. Guided by questions such as, "What do I want to create in my life?", "What structure will help me reach my goals?", "What first step can I take right now?", we embrace proactive living with a sense of purpose and involvement. Acting on our decisions immediately frees mental energy and prevents unnecessary stress, empowering us to shape our lives actively.

Bias for Action: What Truly Drives Us to Act Without Delay?

Is forcing ourselves into action—pushing hard, shouting affirmations in front of the mirror, or watching motivational speeches—the path to building a lasting bias for action? In my view, this approach is unlikely to succeed in the long term. Relying on temporary boosts and external motivation traps us in a cycle of needing constant stimulation to keep moving. To genuinely cultivate a bias for action, we need more than hype; we need purpose, a supportive mindset, effective structures and systems, and mastery of the skills and tools of the creative process. Only then does action become natural, skillful, and unforced.

Let’s explore the key elements that create a natural bias for action, energizing our readiness to act.

First, we must clarify what we truly want to create—a vision for the future that resonates deeply with us, our true aspiration. This vision should be compelling enough to inspire action. Discovering our true desires is a skill that is developed through inner stillness. A quiet mind brings clarity, allowing us to listen deeply and distinguish our genuine aspirations from external influences and expectations. When our minds are calm, we can reflect on vital questions like, “What would I love to create? What excites me?” This self-reflection helps us uncover what we genuinely wish to bring into existence. Starting with small, heartfelt desires enables us to experience the creation process firsthand and understand what it takes to manifest our true aspirations.

However, without inner stillness, our ability to hear our true desires becomes clouded, leading us to create or adopt random goals that don’t genuinely resonate with us. When we pursue what we think we should want rather than what truly inspires us, we often end up relying on willpower and pushing ourselves hard, which can be exhausting, unfulfilling, and ultimately unsustainable.

Identifying what we want is essential, but to transform this awareness into a powerful driving force, we must choose to wholeheartedly commit to this aspiration by declaring: "I choose to create [...] in my life." This commitment builds a natural bias for action, as we become deeply invested in seeing progress. When we embrace our goals with our whole being, we mobilize immense energy and creative power, which enhances our efficiency and effectiveness. By tapping into our authentic desires and consciously choosing them, we ignite a magnetic force that naturally draws us toward action. When we pursue something that truly matters, action feels almost inevitable. So let’s take a moment to reflect: "Am I all in or not?"

Once we’re clear on what we truly want and are fully committed, the next crucial step is to accurately assess our current reality. This involves asking ourselves: "Where do I stand in relation to the outcomes I want to achieve?" A precise understanding of our starting point is essential before we can effectively identify the specific actions required to bridge the gap between where we are now and where we aspire to be. By gaining clarity on our current reality, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions and take purposeful steps toward our end result.

The next step is planning, which begins with creating a first draft by identifying the major action steps that will take us from our current reality to our intended end result. We start this process by writing a brief description of both the end result and our current situation. Between these two points, we then list the major action steps needed to reach our goal. Initially, we focus on the overview, adding detailed steps later, as each major action step may require several smaller steps to complete. Guiding questions for this process include: "How do I reach my goal? Will these steps achieve my intended result? Are my action steps clear, concise, and accompanied by specified deadlines?"

It’s essential to recognize that this plan is adaptable and not set in stone. As we begin implementing our initial steps, we will gain valuable insights into its practicality and evaluate whether the assumptions made during the planning phase are accurate. If we discover that they do not, we should revise the plan accordingly. Developing the skill to leverage feedback from our execution to effectively adjust our plan and actions is crucial for success.

In addition to identifying and fully choosing our true aspirations, assessing our current situation, and understanding how to bridge the gap between the two, cultivating the right mindset is vital for effective execution. A creator embraces a generative mindset, focusing on what they wish to create rather than merely reacting or responding to external circumstances. Their primary concern is the desired outcome, not the unwanted situations in their lives. While circumstances are relevant, they should not dictate the creative process. We possess the capacity to rise above our circumstances and achieve remarkable results.

Moreover, creators must strive to see reality as it truly is, free from distortions. This requires enhanced awareness and discernment to differentiate between genuine observations and those clouded by our concepts and theories. Limiting beliefs and preconceived notions obstruct nonjudgmental observation. By cultivating clear perception, we can accurately evaluate our progress and learn from our actions, enabling us to make the necessary adjustments.

Lastly, creators prioritize what is important rather than making choices based on likes and dislikes, avoiding the trap of trying to like what they don’t and engaging only in enjoyable tasks while avoiding those they dislike. As Robert Fritz notes, “We must learn to think hierarchically.” We need to understand what is more important versus less important; otherwise, we risk spending our lives consumed by actions that matter little. Over time, we develop the resilience to engage with tasks we may not enjoy if they contribute to achieving something significant. Clarity about our priorities brings simplicity, efficiency, and effectiveness, while treating everything as equal adds unnecessary complexity to our lives and keeps us away from creating meaningful results.

A less obvious but essential aspect of choosing what is important to us is building and maintaining high, positive energy, which serves as the fuel for executing our significant actions—especially when they require considerable effort. By prioritizing activities that recharge us—such as physical exercise, pranayama, uplifting conversations, restful sleep, proper hydration, and nourishing food—we can cultivate and sustain the vitality needed for consistent action toward our goals.

Taking Action

Up to this point, we’ve established a framework that enhances our internal motivation and enthusiasm, empowering us to take bold and consistent actions toward our goals with greater ease and reduced hesitation.

Let’s recap the key internal and external components of this framework:

1. Knowing our true desire or aspiration.

2. Wholeheartedly choosing our aspiration.

3. Assessing our current situation in relation to our intended results.

4. Creating an initial plan of action.

5. Cultivating a mindset for success, which includes a generative orientation, an appreciation for clear perception, and the ability to make choices based on what is important rather than on likes or dislikes.

   
   

Now, let’s delve into the critical step of taking action—executing on our true desires. Action brings our aspirations to life; nothing in the world is created without it. Robert Fritz underscores the importance of action: “Action, even if you are going in the wrong direction, can create momentum. If you are in motion you can more easily change your direction than if you are standing still. So, take action. Even if the actions aren't leading you directly to your goals, they will generate energy.”

To further enhance our ability to take action, it’s essential to tackle tasks that move us toward our desired outcomes early in the day when our energy is at its peak. If we postpone these tasks, we risk allowing less important ones or unexpected situations to consume our time and vitality, ultimately leaving us with little energy for what truly matters. My personal approach involves creating uninterrupted time in the morning, immediately after my yoga practice, to focus on these important tasks. I prefer to work in focused chunks of 60 to 90 minutes, followed by short breaks to recharge—whether by becoming present in my body, taking a few deep breaths, or going for a walk.

Another key aspect of maintaining our momentum toward our intended results is how we handle new tasks that arise during the day. Steve Chandler encourages us to cultivate a "commitment to action in the present moment." This approach suggests that when new tasks present themselves, we should address them immediately to keep our minds light, clear, and free from future concerns. We can choose to complete the new task right away, decide not to do it at all, or allocate a specific time slot in our calendar for its execution, which helps remove it from our immediate thoughts.

For Swami Gitananda, taking action was vital for spiritual evolution. He would exclaim, "Just do it! And Do it Now!" and insist, "Absolutely no excuses allowed here!" or "No excuses, just do it!" The essence of this attitude toward action lies in total commitment. Swamiji's strong statements stem from a deep understanding that many of our excuses are not genuine; rather, they are fabricated justifications born from half-hearted commitment. They represent the voices of our ego, seeking comfort and pleasure while resisting change and transformation.

On the same note, Ammaji reminds us of our inherent power: "Yes! We can! We will! We are able! [...] No weak victims here. We are the captains of our souls; we are the masters of our fate. We have none to blame for our miseries or failures but ourselves! [...] If we cannot stand the heat, we can never transform ourselves! No excuses allowed!"

So, let’s act on what we have wholeheartedly committed to. Now. No excuses allowed!

Conclusion

There are no ordinary moments in our lives. Each decision we make—whether to act or refrain from acting—shapes who we are capable of becoming and what we can create. Over time, these small choices, whether to take action or remain passive, accumulate, leading to significant changes in our mindset and our power to create.

By consciously creating our days around our wholehearted commitment to what truly matters to us, we create a strong foundation for a meaningful and impactful life. Let’s begin by bringing small yet authentic aspirations to fruition, which will enhance our ability to live proactively. This foundation prepares us for the pursuit of larger dreams, allowing our efforts to become increasingly visible and effective.

As the wise Archilochus reminds us, "We don’t rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training." Let us commit to making daily choices and taking consistent action that align with our deepest aspirations and our dedication to personal growth.

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📚✍️Written over 2000 years ago in Tamil Nadu, the Thirukkural offers timeless wisdom on the art of living through its 133 chapters, each containing profound insights on life. For English translations, I use both Dr. M. Rajaram's 'Thirukkural – Pearls of Inspiration' (Rupa Publications) and Kannan’s translation available at thirukkural133.wordpress.com .

This translation of Thirukkural 671 comes from Dr. M. Rajaram. Kannan’s translation of the same verse is as follows: "The end of strategizing is gaining the confidence to execute; it is wasteful to cede that confidence in delays.”

Bibliography

M. Rajaram. Thirukkural - Pearls of Inspiration. Rupa Publications, 2023.

Kannan. Thirukkural in English. thirukkural133.wordpress.com

Chandler, Steve. Time Warrior. Maurice Bassett, 2011.

Fritz, Robert. Your Life as Art. Newfane Press, 2003.

Param Pujya Ammaji. No excuses allowed here! Article available at https://bhavanani.medium.com/no-excuses-allowed-here-ebb613dc0eab