Take the Clarity Quiz!

Which of the following is not a “Treadmill Verb™”?

1. Plan
2. Report
3. Decide
4. Discuss

Select your answer and see if you are right!

If you selected number 3, “Decide”, you are correct!

If you’ve read anything I’ve written about improving meetings, you are probably familiar with my term “Treadmill Verbs™.” These are verbs like “discuss” and “report” that represent activities without end; you can discuss and report forever. “Decide,” on the other hand, is a verb with a destination. When the decision is made, you’ve arrived! Many meetings are just like treadmills, but instead of walking, the activity is talking.

But meetings aren’t the only time people climb on the treadmill! “Organize” and “plan” are also treadmill verbs™. These are endless activities. If you ever think you have finished, just wait 10 minutes!

I have a client who is notorious for saying he just needs to get organized first. He needs to plan his week or his month. He needs to straighten his office. Does this sound like you? Are you constantly “getting your ducks in a row” so you can get started?

While a certain level of organization and planning keep things under control, some people spend more time organizing and planning than doing. These people are always on the verge of getting something done that really matters.

Stop getting ready and start doing! Minimize the time you spend organizing and planning. Measure your progress in terms of tangible outcomes, not activity, not organization, not planning, not cleaning, not straightening. Avoid treadmill activities!

For more on Treadmill Verbs™, read Want Results? Speak the Language of Outcomes.