Javan Hunt January 1, 2025

Just Do It

Nike made this phrase iconic, spreading it worldwide through eye-catching visuals, upbeat music, vibrant colors, and fanfare. Despite the flashy marketing, the simplicity of the message still resonates: Just do it. Whatever IT is.

For this article, let’s assume IT is that thing you keep talking about—whether it’s starting an exercise program, launching a business, or finally tackling a long-overdue project. The intent of the phrase remains the same: start.

The Problem

Like many of you, I’ve had moments—no, years—of talking about change instead of making it happen. Unsurprisingly, the results reflected that: they were negligible.

Take my experience with exams, for example. Instead of properly studying the course material, I’d cram the night before, hoping for a high grade but ending up with an average one. Now, let me ask you: are geniuses as common as cabbages these days? Can you skip the work and still achieve exceptional results? Maybe some can, but for me, my “genius” needs prep—especially mindset prep.

In the past, I suffered from analysis paralysis. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s when you overanalyze a situation to the point of inaction. I’d evaluate everything from every angle and even help others analyze their situations. Ironically, the “doers” I advised would take my suggestions, run with them, and soar toward their goals at breakneck speed.

Meanwhile, I’d stay stuck.

Me = stumped, unable to take the first step.

The Breakthrough

After years of this cycle, I finally took a page from my “doer” friends’ playbook, and that’s how my alter ego, Super Black, was born. You know, like Superman—but Black. 😅

This “doer” version of me tackled everything I’d been paralyzed into avoiding. I went full throttle, doing so much that I eventually burned out—mind, body, and spirit. Writing about it exhausts me, but the experience taught me an invaluable lesson: success requires a balance of planning and execution to take sustainable steps forward.

That word—sustainable—comes from my work in the environmental field, but it applies perfectly here. Taking measured, intentional steps became a cornerstone of my blueprint.

The Lesson

Execution. Action. Doing.

I started by examining my life and identifying what inspired me. Then, I built a life aligned with those inspirations. My values became strong enough to drive action—and, in some cases, to force it. Gone was my analysis paralysis. I set routines that aligned with my goals, and like a self-charging battery, the process began to run itself.

The most important part of it all?

Just do it.

Your Turn

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. What’s your IT? That thing you’ve been putting off, analyzing to death, or dreaming about but never starting?

Write it down. Then take one small step toward it today. Just one. Remember, you don’t have to see the entire path to begin the journey. You just have to start.

Final Thoughts

This approach has transformed my life, and I know it can transform yours too. So stop overthinking, stop waiting for the perfect moment, and stop doubting yourself.

Just do it.