How long would it take for you to take the first bite of an ice cream cone once you’re holding it? The answer is simple—before it melts. Once you’ve decided to have ice cream, you don’t hold it, overthink it, or wait for perfect conditions. You take the first bite.
Yet, in both personal life and the corporate world, people often delay taking action even after making a clear decision. When you’ve already done the thinking, waiting weakens momentum. Once you’ve made a choice, it’s crucial to act immediately because execution transforms decisions into impactful results.
Taking action is what separates plans from progress. And once you take that first step—commit fully to it. So when you hold the ice cream, “Take the First Bite Before It Melts”.
Actions Are the Verb, Not the Noun
Actions are not passive concepts. They are the driving force behind growth—the verbs of leadership. Taking action isn’t just about completing tasks; it’s about taking ownership of the outcome.
When you decide to act, it should be backed by full accountability. Reaching the point of action isn’t random—it results from a thoughtful process: a thought sparks curiosity, curiosity fuels deeper exploration, and exploration leads to a well-informed decision.
Hesitation in the final stretch undermines the entire process. Execution is the last mile—the point where impact happens. If you’ve already done the hard work of thinking, planning, and preparing, don’t hold back when it’s time to act.
The Programming Lesson That Stuck with Me
During my first computer programming class, a teacher shared a lesson that profoundly shaped my mindset:
“The first person who starts typing the code will be the last one to leave the computer.”
He explained that writing the code itself only accounts for about 20% of the process—10% being the physical act of coding and debugging. The remaining 80% involves critical thinking, problem-solving, and algorithm design—long before typing even begins.
This principle applies far beyond programming. In leadership, personal growth, or any challenging pursuit, most of the effort lies in preparation and decision-making. The actual execution often requires the least effort—if you’ve laid the right foundation.
Once you’ve done the thinking, planning, and strategizing, the only thing left is to act. The difference between progress and stagnation often comes down to whether you’re willing to press “Run.”
Taking Action vs. Delegating – Own the Outcome
Taking action doesn’t always mean handling every task yourself. Leadership often requires delegation, but a critical distinction exists: you can delegate the task but not the responsibility.
When you delegate, you’re entrusting someone with the execution—not the accountability. Whether the outcome is successful or falls short, the ownership remains yours as the leader who made the decision.
If you choose to execute a task personally, you bear direct responsibility for its outcome. If you assign it to someone else, you’re still accountable for the result. True leadership means owning the outcome—regardless of who carries out the task.
Feel the Heat – Act Before It Burns You
Taking action is like pulling a fire alarm. You don’t wait until the flames engulf the room—you act the moment the heat rises.
In both leadership and life, challenges often create pressure that feels overwhelming. When the heat rises, stepping back isn’t the answer—stepping forward is. Bold leadership means confronting the pressure, not avoiding it.
A well-thought-out decision followed by consistent execution builds confidence in both yourself and those you lead. On the other hand, indecision and second-guessing erode trust, weaken leadership credibility, and stall progress.
True leadership requires clarity, decisiveness, and follow-through—especially when the pressure is high.
Bullish or Bearish Leadership Under Pressure?
When surrounded by challenges in leadership or personal growth, do you respond bearishly or bullishly?
A bear attacks by swiping downward—which is why a market downturn is called bearish. It reflects a retreat, a drop in momentum, or avoiding action.
A bull, however, attacks by lifting upward with its horns—symbolizing forward motion and upward momentum. Bullish leadership is about rising through pressure, not retreating from it.
When challenges flame up and you begin to feel the heat, don’t swipe down—rise up. Take decisive action. Step forward instead of stepping back.
This mindset captures the essence of my leadership philosophy:
“Pull It Up to Push Down the Fire.”
Pull It Up to Push Down the Fire – What It Really Means
The phrase “Pull it up to push down the fire” is a powerful metaphor for handling pressure with courage and clarity.
When challenges arise—whether in personal growth or leadership—it’s easy to hesitate or retreat. But strong leaders rise above the pressure and take control.
To “pull it up” means rising above the challenge—facing the discomfort, taking bold action, and staying calm under pressure. It means confronting problems directly rather than avoiding them, even when the heat intensifies.
“Push down the fire” doesn’t mean ignoring the problem or avoiding conflict. It means controlling the intensity of the situation through proactive leadership. Taking decisive action prevents the flames of stress, uncertainty, and chaos from spreading further.
Leadership isn’t about avoiding the fire—it’s about learning to control it.
So, when the heat rises in your leadership journey—will you pull up and take control, or step back and let the fire spread?
Asif Durrani
15 Jan 2025
Asif Durrani 