Jeffrey Platts

Written by on August 10, 2015

“If you can talk brilliantly enough about a problem, it can create the consoling illusion that it has been mastered.” — Stanley Kubrick

This is a powerful quote. I know I can get so wrapped up in the art of talking about my problems to myself and others so that it looks like I’m handling my shit. I know all my triggers. My patterns. My strengths and weaknesses. What created the situation.

And I hear from my coaching clients, too.

But the reality is it’s an illusion.

Talking about…

Losing that weight.
Making that doctor’s appointment.
Having that tough conversation with your partner.
Getting your car repaired.
Booking your long overdue vacation.
Cleaning your basement.
Writing that book.
Moving to a new city.
Getting a better job.

…is NOT the same as DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT.

That’s what much of the frustration with DC politics is all about. Politicians talking about problems all the time. Over-promising on their solutions. Calling in Fox/CNN/MSNBC pundits who are experts on the problems to continue the conversation.

Take an honest look at your current results and see how much of the time you spend is talking vs time spent in action.

Yes, conversations are powerful tools to generate ideas and specific plans, but after a certain point, it just becomes an endless loop.

I write this not from some guru place of perfection. This is a reminder for ME just as it is for you. After I post this, I’ve got some calls to make and appointments to book.

You can be the kind of person who says:

I will do.
I am doing.
Or I did.

Focus on the latter two. You’ll get a lot more done.

Jeffrey Platts is a men's coach and authentic communication expert who is passionate about helping men create amazing relationships with women. With over 20 years of personal study and transformational training, he has led nearly 200 workshops and retreats on personal growth, dating, and communication. Jeffrey's work and writing has been featured in the Huffington Post, Washington Post, ABC News, Authentic Man Program and the Good Men Project. He brings a rich toolbox of insights and experiences to his facilitation, integrating his adventures as DJ, amateur stand-up comedian, salsa dancer, yoga teacher and world traveler.