Not All Verbs are Created Equal

I'm sure you know this. But sometimes, a reminder is a good thing.

Specifically, "think" is not really as active a verb as you might imagine.

• Thinking about taking vitamins is not the same as taking vitamins.
• Thinking about going to the gym is not the same as going to the gym. Or working out when you're there.
• Thinking about all the projects you have to finish this week is not the same as working on the projects.
• Thinking about booking a plane ticket. Thinking about following up with a client. Thinking about cleaning a closet, doing a load of laundry, thawing something for supper.

"Plan" is a little more active than "think." "Research" too. But not much.

Eventually, you have to move to the action-y ones: work out, call, ask, pay, commit. Or not. I guess you don't have to do more than think. But then you'll never do more than think.

I didn't say it was a revolutionary thought. Just that a reminder is sometimes a good thing.