Think Before You Act

One day, Arjun came across an old book on philosophy and wisdom, written by the ancient Indian thinker Chanakya. As he flipped through the pages, a particular quote struck him like a lightning bolt:

"Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions – Why am I doing it, What the results might be, and Will I be successful. Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions, go ahead."

He paused and reflected on his past ventures. How many times had he dived headfirst into projects without stopping to think? How many of those failures could have been avoided if he had simply asked himself those three critical questions? Arjun realized that this was the wisdom he had been missing.

Why Am I Doing It?

The first question that Chanakya’s quote urged Arjun to ask was, "Why am I doing it?" It seemed like such a simple question, yet Arjun understood that this was the most fundamental inquiry to make. In the past, he had started businesses simply because others were doing them or because they seemed trendy. He hadn’t always thought deeply about his personal motivation.

With newfound clarity, Arjun began to ask himself this question before embarking on any new project. He soon discovered that his motivation had to come from a genuine place—something that aligned with his values and long-term goals. Otherwise, his interest would wane, and the project would eventually collapse.

Take, for instance, his previous attempt to open a coffee shop. Arjun had never been passionate about coffee; in fact, he barely drank it. But when he saw others in town starting cafes and thriving, he thought it was an easy way to make money. Within six months, his business was struggling. Had he asked himself, "Why am I doing this?" before starting, he would have realized that his heart wasn’t in it. He was chasing someone else’s dream, not his own.

This time, Arjun wanted to be sure that he wasn’t doing something just for external validation or because it seemed like a good financial opportunity. He realized that true success would only come if his efforts were backed by genuine passion and purpose.

What Might the Results Be?

The second part of Chanakya’s wisdom advised Arjun to ask, "What might the results be?". This wasn’t just about predicting success or failure but about envisioning the bigger picture. What would this project bring into his life? Would it lead to personal growth, financial security, or creative fulfilment? Or would it drain his energy and resources?

In the past, Arjun had been so fixated on starting projects that he hadn’t considered the long-term consequences. He had poured money into ideas without thinking about the potential outcomes. He was so focused on the short-term excitement that he forgot to look ahead.

This time, Arjun decided to take his time to evaluate. He created a mental roadmap for his new business idea—a digital marketing agency. Arjun had always been passionate about helping small businesses grow, and with the rise of online commerce, he knew the demand for digital marketing services would only increase. But instead of jumping in, he mapped out different scenarios of success and failure.

He asked himself questions like, "If this succeeds, how will my life change? What if it fails—what will I lose?" By answering these questions, Arjun gained a deeper understanding of the risks and rewards involved. He also began to feel more prepared to face the challenges that might come along the way.

Will I Be Successful?

The third and final question in Chanakya’s wisdom was, "Will I be successful?" This was the hardest question for Arjun to answer. How could anyone predict success with certainty? But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that success wasn’t necessarily about reaching a specific milestone. It was about positioning himself in the best possible way to succeed.

Arjun realized that being successful wasn’t just about luck or talent. It involved preparation, planning, and a strong mindset. He began to analyse his skills and knowledge. Did he have what it took to run a digital marketing agency? Did he need more training, or should he partner with someone who had more experience in the field?

He took a practical approach to this question by creating a detailed plan. He attended workshops, sought mentorship, and invested in learning the latest trends in digital marketing. With each new piece of information, his confidence grew, and he began to feel more certain that success was within his reach.

But Arjun also realized that success wasn’t always immediate. Just because he didn’t see results right away didn’t mean he was on the wrong path. As Chanakya’s quote implied, success often comes after deep thinking, planning, and persistence. It’s not about rushing in; it’s about creating the foundation that will lead to eventual triumph.

A New Beginning

With Chanakya’s three questions as his guiding light, Arjun began his new journey with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. For the first time in his life, he felt truly prepared. He had carefully considered his motivation, envisioned the potential results, and prepared himself for success.

The early days of his digital marketing agency were not without challenges. There were times when clients were hard to find, and the competition was fierce. But every time doubt crept in, Arjun would return to Chanakya’s wisdom, reminding himself to reflect on his "why," "what," and "will." These three pillars kept him grounded and focused.

Soon, his efforts began to bear fruit. Word spread about his agency’s creative strategies and personalized approach to helping small businesses thrive online. More clients came through referrals, and before long, Arjun’s agency had grown beyond his expectations.

The Power of Deep Thinking

The lesson Arjun learned from Chanakya’s quote was that success wasn’t about blind action. It was about thoughtful action—about asking the right questions before taking the plunge. By doing so, he saved himself from making costly mistakes, and more importantly, he found a path that was deeply aligned with his personal goals and values.

In a world that often pushes us to move fast, to act before thinking, the wisdom of asking "Why, What, and Will" remains timeless. It’s easy to get swept up in trends or feel pressure to act quickly, but success is rarely about speed. As Arjun learned, it’s about depth—thinking deeply, planning thoroughly, and moving forward with purpose.