This time, just some philosophical thought for the weekend. While watching The Fellowship of the Ring, the first movie in The Lord of the Rings series, the other night, I was reminded of Gandalf’s role as a mentor, guiding Frodo through difficult decisions.
There’s a moment when Frodo regrets that Gollum, a previous Ring-bearer, wasn’t killed earlier, and Gandalf replies with a timeless piece of wisdom:
Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.
That line stayed with me, especially since earlier that day, I had reflected on Jack Welch’s quote:
It is better to act too quickly than it is to wait too long.
This resonated even more when I realised the parallel between the two ideas. This led to the following thought:
Some ideas deserve action, while some actions deserve a better idea-but it is always better to do something than nothing at all.
Whether in business or guiding a young hobbit, the message is the same: Perfection is often the enemy of progress. We can be incredibly ambitious and draft brilliant plans, but if we never take the first step, those ideas remain just that—𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙨.
The key is to act, to move forward even if the path isn’t perfectly clear, and to adjust as we go.
In both Middle-earth and the boardroom, action is where ideas truly come to life.
What will be your next step?
Don’t let perfection hold you back—whether in business or your personal life. What’s the idea or project you’ve been thinking about? Start today by taking one small step to bring it to life, even if the path ahead is uncertain.
Share your thoughts or experiences below—I’d love to hear about the actions you’re taking to move forward.