John Miles releases new book Sod It, Just Do It

New Zealand Marketing Association CEO John Miles has published a new book, Sod It, Just Do It.

In the book, Miles argues that too many people are spending too much time discussing, analysing and overthinking decisions rather than making them.

Research published by Harvard Business Review supports that view, suggesting executives spend around 70% of their time in meetings, while 71% of senior managers believe those meetings are unproductive and inefficient.

“Indecision is a decision,” says Miles. “Usually just a dumb one.”

Drawing on more than 35 years of leadership, business turnaround and mentoring experience, Miles explores why capable people get stuck, why organisations become paralysed by endless analysis, and why indecision often carries a higher cost than getting it wrong.

Help you make the call

The book combines practical decision-making tools, personal stories and career lessons.

At a time when artificial intelligence is putting more information than ever at our fingertips, Miles believes judgement and the willingness to make a call are becoming increasingly valuable.

“AI can give you information. It can give you options. It can even give you recommendations. But at some point a human being still has to make the call.

“Information is becoming abundant. Judgement is becoming scarce.”

Sod it, let’s do it

Miles describes chronic procrastinators as “Gunnas” – people who are gunna do this, gunna do that then do sod all.

“The smart businesses are rarely the ones with the biggest budgets or the longest strategy documents. They’re the ones prepared to back themselves and get moving.

“The boys from Pals didn’t have all the answers. They had an idea and gave it a crack. Most successful people I know have done exactly the same thing.

“At some point you’ve just got to say, ‘Sod it, let’s do it,'” he says.

Practical insights

New Zealand country director of Google Caroline Rainsford says: “Sod It, Just Do It captures the quality that has made John one of New Zealand’s most recognisable marketing leaders.

“Anyone who has spent time with him knows he gets to the point quickly and effectively. His thinking isn’t just memorable, it’s practical. This book takes the way he approaches decisions and turns it into something people can actually use.”

Sod It, Just Do It draws on concepts including the ‘pub test’ and questions such as “What’s the best possible thing that can happen?” to help people cut through uncertainty, trust their judgement and move forward.