Tag Archives: Facebook

Feb 8 2012

FACEBOOK AND DELAYED GRATIFICATION

Image representing Facebook as depicted in Cru...

Image via CrunchBase

“Done is better than perfect.”

– Mark Zuckerberg

As Facebook goes public with its IPO, an unknown graffiti artist stands to earn a huge payout.   He wisely took Facebook stock instead of cash for painting the walls of the social network’s first headquarters. The stock is expected to be worth upward of $200 million when it trades publicly later this year.

Jealous?  Who wouldn’t be?  But then again, we can learn a lot from this story.  It really pays to delay gratification.  Toil hard today, and reap the benefits tomorrow.

I had this Facebook-like idea when I was still a resident in training around 10 years ago.  Back then, I was thinking of a dating website, where individuals could interact with others, share photos and ideas, and keep posted on each other’s activities.  This was at a time when social networking was still relatively unknown.  However, as I was not web-savvy, and because I was deep into my training as a Family Physician, the idea was just that – an idea.  Without the necessary action to bring the idea to fruition, nothing happened.

Do you have an idea today?  Do you think the idea has flaws?  I’d say act on it anyway.  On the walls of Facebook’s office is written the words “Done is better than perfect”.  The idea for Facebook was not without glitches, but Mark Zuckerberg acted on the ideas.  He now stands to earn 28.4 billion dollars from the selling of Facebook shares to the public.  If you’re the type who would only start the engine when all the green lights are on, think again.  Only action can bring realization to your dreams.

Never regret doing the hard, dirty work today to reach your goals.  Persevere and always remain positive.  And learn to postpone comforts today so you can have a better tomorrow.  If you are in training today and thinking of quitting, rethink your strategy.  Talk it out with a mentor.  Chances are, you may be making a drastic decision while in an emotional state.  Never decide on your future when you are angry, disappointed, or disgusted.

The Facebook story is inspiring because it could happen to anyone.  Huge payoffs often start with a simple idea that was acted upon.  The idea need not be completely original – it could be adopted from others with just a little twist.  Improving on the products and services of others may be all it takes.  So just do it, and remain patient.

Facebook was successful, because it Found A Creative, Efficient, Brilliant, Out-of the Box, Opportunity to spread Knowledge.  And I know, my dear reader, that you can do that too!

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