I'm always on the lookout for new and inspirational concepts and ideas. I heard a phrase that I found very thought-provoking and want to share it with you. "Violent Imperfect Action". What I found even more interesting is that when I searched for the phrase in Google, it came up with 0 results! How often does that happen? In my experience, almost never! After much I thought, I believe that there is a great amount of depth and significance to this seemingly simple three-word phrase.
What's In a Word?
I found the first word in the phrase, "violent" to grab my attention immediately. According to the dictionary, the word violent means "energy meant to destroy or harm". This is a very negative implication. In fact, I can't think of an instance in which the word is used in a positive way.
When I look at the second word, "imperfect", it makes me think of something that is flawed in some way. This could be a flawed object, process, concept, idea, etc. Something that is not perfect even if it is the most minor of scratches.
The last word, "action", for me implies a change. I see this as being anything from a small alteration to a complete overhaul of the way something is done. I feel in most cases that people who strive to implement change, are trying to make a change for the better or what they perceive to be good intentions.
Putting it All Together
I found that when I first looked at the phrase "violent imperfect action", that I got stuck on the first word because it is so powerful. However, when I took a step back and looked at the phrase as a whole, it seemed to have an overall positive vibe. It made me think of destruction that is painful and harsh but out of it comes greatness!
Someone made a point about this phrase that I really liked. He said that the word "violent" is setting up the notion that this may be a difficult change with many obstacles, but that the end result will be worth it. This same person suggested that when people decide to take action, they like to know what the outcome will be and that there is a clear path to it. However, the word "imperfect" suggests that there isn't necessarily a clear path to the desired outcome and that's what makes it an imperfect action.
When I think of "violent imperfect action", I think of Aron Ralston. To me, it is the epitome of "violent imperfect action". In 2003 he was canyoneering in Utah when a boulder fell and trapped his right hand between the boulder and the canyon wall. Ralston ended up amputating his own forearm and it saved his life. I think of this as a "violent imperfect action". There is no doubt that cutting off his own arm is violent. In my mind, it is imperfect because it wasn't the ideal way of getting free from the boulder. It invoked a change. Ralston freed himself.
Growth Is Not Always Rosy
What violent imperfect actions have you had to take in your personal and professional lives? I believe the notion that we tend to move away from pain and towards pleasure. As an entrepreneur, I have certainly had my fair share of violent imperfect actions. I also believe that out of each of them has come something amazing!