You can tell I have a small child. I was watching cartoons with him and we were watching a cartoon that tends to have plots based on moral values or proverbs from the Bible. This one was no exception. It was based on Proverbs 19:2:

It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.

I started think about this and realized how true it is. As I look back on my career thus far, I see this played out time and time again. Many times I have gone head strong into a project or situation without having full knowledge of what I was getting into and every time it has resulted in failure.

Maybe this is why my wife rolls her eyes when I start doing research. She knows that I will know whatever I am working on inside out before I move forward.

It is great to be enthusiastic but you should know what you are getting into first. Be willing to ask questions, be willing to put in the time needed, be willing to sit and contemplate if needed.