Newton’s Third Law of Motion states, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Similarly, every decisive action you take has consequences. In both personal and professional life, pushback is inevitable. The bigger the action, the stronger the recoil. I call this the “recoil effect.”
This recoil effect is unavoidable, but you must brace yourself for it and align your actions with your purpose. Don’t fear the recoil if your actions are driven by purpose and have been thoroughly thought through. Avoid impulsive decisions; no action is better than an indecisive action.
Take Action Like a Marksman
Effective action begins with preparation. Imagine holding a gun and aiming at the bullseye. Without calmness and focus, even the most precise aim will fail. Similarly, in life, take action only when you are truly ready. Lay the groundwork, clarify your objectives, and steady your mind.
Pull the trigger only when the moment feels right—when your breath is calm, and your aim is steady and firm. Like a professional marksman, handle the recoil gracefully. Anticipate the pushback from your actions, and remain composed in challenging situations.
Staying Grounded with Authenticity and Integrity
Resistance to your actions will test your authenticity and integrity. If things don’t go as planned, take responsibility. Don’t look for scapegoats or make excuses. Accept failure as part of your journey and a stepping stone to growth.
Failures often teach more than successes. Sharing your failure stories can provide others with lessons they won’t get from your successes. Failure stories are more relatable and compassionate than tales of triumph. Share them with authenticity and integrity to inspire others.
Drive Yourself, Don’t Be Driven
Authentic leaders take ownership of their actions and are driven by purpose. Every action you take must have a clear “why” behind it. Instead of just asking, “How do I do this?” ask, “Why should I do this?”
Once you cultivate the habit of asking “why,” you will be guided by purpose in every action. Don’t be like a postman delivering someone else’s message without understanding it. Drive yourself with purpose, and don’t let others control your actions.
Assess the Ricochet After Every Action
Your actions will inevitably create an impact—not just on yourself but on the people around you. Use this impact to measure the strength of your decisions. Reflect on the outcomes, learn from them, and grow.
The bigger the action, the stronger the recoil, and the deeper the ricochet. After every “bang,” notice the mark you’ve made and analyze how close you were to hitting your target. When you evaluate your impact, aim to make it like a sniper’s shot—precise, intentional, and focused—not like the scattered chaos of a blunderbuss. Precision leaves a legacy; recklessness leaves a mess.
Asif Durrani
17 Jan 2025
Asif Durrani 