Action Leads to Insight

by | Aug 12, 2025

When trying to find solutions to a difficult problem (like recruiting), most people search for insight from their own experiences, the insights of others, and best practices.

And then they contemplate what might work for them.

While that’s a great place to start, professors Chip and Dan Heath advise taking exploration a step further.

Research suggests that reflecting or ruminating on our own thoughts and feelings is an ineffective way to achieve true understanding.

Studying your own behavior is more fruitful.

It’s better to take a risk, try something, and distill the answer from experience rather than navel-gazing.

Action leads to insight more often than insight leads to action.

Successful recruiters and hiring managers take action based on the possibility that a promising tactic may produce positive results.

And then they measure results–not at the macro-level (Did I get a hire?), but at the micro-level (Did my call script cause my recruiting prospect to engage?).

Each small action that proves successful adds to your insight.

 

The Simple Psychology of Real Estate Recruiting [2nd Edition]

Unlock the secrets of effective real estate recruiting. Revised to include actionable frameworks for sharper execution and to help you turn psychological theory into a repeatable recruiting system.

Creating Pacts to Avoid Distraction

Creating Pacts to Avoid Distraction

Notice the two parts to Nir’s formula: a pre-commitment and an external force to keep you accountable to that commitment. For recruiting setting goals and time-blocks in your schedule is not enough. Most people need some kind of external accountability, as well.

Look for Individuals Who Want to be Measured

Look for Individuals Who Want to be Measured

It’s not that people with a growth mindset don’t experience failure—they just see failure as an opportunity to learn new things, to be challenged, and to experience curiosity. This is an important topic to cover during interviews and follow-up conversations with your prospects. If you find someone who likes being measured, you’ve likely found someone who will push through the inherent failures of growing a real estate business and experience long-term success.