The Cost of Inaction: “Okay” Isn’t Really Okay
Does this sound familiar?
“Things are fine for now.”
“We’ll figure this out internally.”
“Let’s revisit this next quarter.”
If so, you’re not alone. These are the refrains we hear (and maybe even say ourselves) when it feels easier to stay the course rather than confront the uncomfortable truth: “fine” isn’t really fine.
Let’s dig deeper.
Inaction isn’t (usually) about apathy. Much more often, it stems from:
Being overwhelmed with competing priorities
Getting stuck in analysis paralysis
Being too close to the problem to see the solution
When addressing a business issue feels daunting or risky, kicking the proverbial can down the road feels safer in the moment. The paradox? Staying in the comfort zone of “okay/fine/good enough” creates the very outcomes companies are trying to avoid — and it comes with a cost.
What “Okay” Really Looks Like
When companies settle for “okay,” here’s what often happens:
Symptoms are addressed, but the root problem remains untouched.
Teams are stretched thin, trying to do everything but excelling at nothing.
Patchwork fixes leave processes and tech misaligned.
“Okay” is a bandaid. It creates a false sense of security while inefficiencies, misalignment, and messy workflows silently hold you back. And meanwhile, your competitors keep moving ahead.
The True Cost of Inaction
Seth Godin said it best: “The cost of being wrong is less than the cost of doing nothing.” When you choose inaction, you’re not just standing still — you’re falling behind.
The cost of inaction is about more than just money:
Missed opportunities: That could have propelled your business forward
Frustrated teams: Struggling with inefficiencies and lack of progress
Stalled momentum: Making it harder to recover when you finally decide to act
Moving Beyond “Okay”
Ask yourself: Can your business afford to stay in the same place? What would it take to move beyond “okay” to exceptional?
Tiny steps can add up, and even if you stumble, imperfect progress is better than standing still. Sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to help you uncover blind spots, ask the tough questions, and tackle the root problem head-on.
Your competitors aren’t waiting — and neither should you. Take that first step toward progress, and watch the impact it can have on your business, your team, and your future.