The Science of Taking Action | Steve Garguilo | TEDxCarthage

Summary

In this engaging narrative, the speaker shares their profound love for Post-it notes, which led them to invest in 3M. They recount a spontaneous 'free problem-solving' stand at South by Southwest, which unexpectedly gained popularity, sparking discussions and solutions for various issues. The speaker delves into the science of action, emphasizing the importance of taking immediate steps towards ideas rather than merely collecting them. Through personal anecdotes and the concept of 'action muscles,' they encourage the audience to act on their ideas, illustrating how immediate action can lead to significant outcomes.

Takeaways

• 📌 The speaker has a deep affection for Post-it notes, even investing in 3M to support them.
• 🎨 Post-it notes are versatile and can be used for various purposes, from decoration to problem-solving and even cheese-making.
• 🎉 An impromptu 'free problem-solving' stand using large Post-it notes at a festival turned into a popular event, attracting a crowd and media attention.
• 💡 The experience at the festival inspired the speaker to explore the science of action and why some people take action while others don't.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Taking action is like a muscle that can be developed through practice, becoming more natural over time.
• 🚀 Passion for an idea is crucial, but immediate action is necessary to avoid the trap of waiting for the 'perfect moment'.
• 🤔 It's often easier to generate actions for others' ideas than our own, highlighting the importance of seeking external feedback.
• 🌟 The speaker emphasizes the importance of committing to action, using the example of booking a summer camp on a whim.
• 🛠️ 'Action storming' is a technique for generating actions for ideas, which can lead to tangible steps and progress.
• 💐 A real-life example of action taking is the story of Kristy, who went from sharing a dream of owning a flower shop to actually opening one in Fargo, North Dakota.
• 🛤️ The overarching message is that taking the first step is crucial, as every hard thing in life is a series of easy steps.

Q & A

What is the speaker's relationship with Post-it notes?

The speaker has a deep affection for Post-it notes, to the extent that they bought stock in 3M to support the product.

What did the speaker do with the large Post-it notes they received at South by Southwest?

The speaker and a friend set up a 'free problem-solving stand' using the large Post-it notes, offering to solve various problems for passersby.

How did the speaker's 'free problem-solving stand' evolve?

Initially, it started as a joke, but it quickly gained popularity, with people lining up to have their problems solved and even tweeting about it.

What unexpected business opportunity arose from the 'free problem-solving stand'?

A representative from Goodwill approached the stand for advice on growing their brand, leading to a discussion about various strategies for expansion.

What was the speaker's realization about the difference between collecting ideas and taking action on them?

The speaker noticed that people were more interested in collecting ideas rather than acting on them, which led to the study of the science of action.

What is the first lesson the speaker learned about taking action?

The first lesson is that action is a muscle that can be exercised and strengthened, similar to playing a musical instrument.

Can you provide an example of someone with 'huge action muscles' as mentioned in the script?

The example given is a man who, upon not finding a pink flamingo pool raft, contacted a manufacturer in China to create one, leading to a successful business.

What is the second lesson about taking action that the speaker discusses?

The second lesson is the importance of committing to taking action immediately on ideas that are important to us, rather than waiting for the perfect moment.

How did the speaker and their friend Matt demonstrate the lesson of immediate action?

Matt expressed a desire to take over a summer camp, and the speaker encouraged him to book one immediately, which he did.

What is the third lesson about taking action that the speaker shares?

The third lesson is that it's easier to come up with actions for other people's ideas than our own, emphasizing the importance of seeking feedback from others.

Can you explain the concept of 'action storming' as introduced in the script?

Action storming is a process of generating actions for other people's ideas, which can help individuals take concrete steps towards realizing their own ideas.

What was the outcome for Kristy, who wanted to start a flower shop, after participating in 'action storming'?

After action storming, Kristy took specific actions towards her idea, which led her to quit her job and start her own flower shop called Love Always Floral in Fargo, North Dakota.

What is the overarching message the speaker is trying to convey about ideas and action?

The speaker emphasizes that taking the first step and committing to action is crucial, regardless of the idea's scale, as everything hard in life is a series of things that are easy once you start.