By David Froshiesar, Senior Program Manager, Hewlett Packard

We’ve all been there. Staring at a blank document, a daunting project, or a new initiative, convinced that if we just had one more meeting, one more piece of data, or one more perfect plan, success would be guaranteed. We meticulously strategize, analyze every angle, and seek every possible piece of information before taking the first step.

But here’s a truth I’ve come to embrace, both in my work at Hewlett Packard and in life: The quickest way to succeed is to start now and figure it out as you go. You can’t learn to drive in a parked car.

This isn’t an endorsement of recklessness. It’s a call to action, a challenge to our innate desire for certainty and perfection before execution. Think about it:

The “Parked Car” Syndrome in Daily Life

We see this phenomenon play out constantly in our personal lives.

• Want to get in shape? Instead of starting that new running program, we spend weeks researching the perfect shoes, the optimal diet, and the most efficient workout routine. Meanwhile, our fitness goals remain just that – goals. The “parked car” here is the gym membership gathering dust while we’re still “planning” to work out.
• Dreaming of a new hobby? Perhaps learning an instrument or a new language. We buy all the books, download all the apps, and watch countless tutorials. But until we actually pick up that guitar or try to speak those first awkward phrases, we’re simply spectators, not participants. You can read every book on driving, but until you get behind the wheel, you’re not a driver.
• Tackling a home improvement project? We might spend days on Pinterest, gathering ideas and visualizing the perfect outcome. But until we pick up a hammer or a paintbrush, the wall remains unpainted, and the bookshelf remains unbuilt. The real learning, and the real progress, happens when our hands get dirty.

The “Parked Car” Syndrome in the Workplace

This tendency to over-plan and under-execute is equally prevalent, and perhaps even more damaging, in our professional lives.

• Launching a new product or feature? We often get bogged down in endless meetings, refining specifications, and seeking consensus from every stakeholder. While thoroughness is important, this can lead to “analysis paralysis,” where opportunities are missed, and competitors gain an edge simply because they acted. The market doesn’t wait for perfection.
• Leading a complex program? As Senior Program Managers, we’re accustomed to detailed project plans. But sometimes, the sheer volume of unknowns at the outset can be paralyzing. Instead of waiting for every single variable to be defined, the most effective approach is often to define the critical path, take the first steps, and iterate as new information becomes available. We adapt, we learn, and we adjust course. This “agile” mindset is crucial.
• Developing a new skill for career advancement? Perhaps you’re looking to delve deeper into data analytics or project management methodologies. You could spend months in online courses and certifications. While valuable, true mastery comes from applying that knowledge, from making mistakes, and from solving real-world problems. The best way to learn a new software isn’t just by watching tutorials; it’s by opening it up and trying to build something.

Embracing the Imperfect First Step

The fear of failure, the desire for perfection, and the comfort of the planning phase can keep us perpetually in the “parked car.” But real learning, real growth, and real success happen when we shift into drive.

So, how do we overcome this inertia?

1. Define the Minimum Viable Action: What is the absolute smallest, most manageable step you can take right now? Don’t aim for the finished product; aim for the very first actionable component.
2. Embrace Iteration and Feedback: Understand that your first attempt won’t be perfect. It’s a starting point. Learn from it, gather feedback, and be prepared to adjust and refine. This is the “figuring it out as you go” part.
3. Accept Imperfection: Good enough to start is often better than perfect but never started.1 Progress, even incremental, builds momentum and confidence.
4. Action Over Analysis: While analysis is important, recognize when it becomes a crutch to avoid taking action. Set deadlines for your planning phase and commit to execution.

As professionals in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the ability to pivot, adapt, and learn on the fly is paramount. We can’t afford to wait for every single detail to be clear before we move forward. The world is moving too fast.

So, the next time you find yourself stuck in the “parked car,” pondering the perfect route, remember this: Turn the key, put it in gear, and start driving. You’ll navigate the turns, learn from the detours, and ultimately, reach your destination much faster than if you had waited for the perfect map.

Let’s commit to moving forward, one imperfect, impactful step at a time.