Only Original Action

One of my favorite quotes is, “There is no such thing as original thought, there is only original action.” 

I have expressed this statement several times over the past two decades and still do not have any idea who originally said this. Even after multiple online searches, the closest thing I could find was this quote from Mark Twain, 

“There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of colored glass that have been in use through all the ages.” 

While I subscribe to Mr. Twain’s sentiment, I also understand that it differs from the quote mentioned at the top.  

It is only now, while writing this piece, that I have become aware of the irony of this situation: I am struggling to find the original owner of a quote that communicates that new thoughts do not exist. So technically, even the source of this somewhat proactive statement pulled it from others – consciously or subconsciously. And if we see truth in what the quote is saying, then we know that the thought does not matter as much as the action aligned with the thought. 

I referenced this quote in my speech at the Global Institute of Sports Business (GISB) convocation for the Class of 2022. While preparing to address our graduates, their parents and several industry leaders, I became present to the fact that our founding members of GISB tapped into original action to set up the institute in 2018. Around that time, so many of our industry peers were complaining that the quality of sports management education in the country was not up to par and that there were limited places to find qualified resources to join our sports organizations. Rather than talking about it, we not only conceptualized the idea of India’s first industry-designed and internationally certified sports management institute (most likely not an original thought), we took original action to manifest the idea into reality.  

Then I became aware that all our graduates have also taken original action. Rather than talking about concepts like ‘transforming passion into profession’ or ‘growing the Indian sports industry,’ they chose to put their time, energy and money where their mouths are and spend 15 months studying the business of sports in a rigorous learning environment. Thankfully, they are already reaping the benefits of their courageous actions, as most have secured full-time positions with top sports organizations. Even many of their parents could be credited with original action, as several took the road less travelled to financially support their child’s choice to pursue higher education in a field that has not been traditionally accepted or respected in the country.  

I am so proud of our management, faculty, graduates and every industry partner that has contributed to the establishment, delivery, growth and expansion of GISB. This institute was just an ‘original thought’ back in 2017, and now, six years later, it has become one of the top sports management programs in Asia and a springboard for focused individuals to transform their passion for sport into their professions.  

My hope is that our management at GISB continues to choose original action as we build new programs and partnerships to serve the industry. And, that our graduates continue to choose original action throughout their careers on the path to help India reach its full potential as a sporting nation.