Action!

At the beginning of the year I make all sorts of plans and set all sorts of goals.  When the plans are made I’m enthusiastic about the months ahead.  However, I don’t always take action and it made me wonder why.

People at the top of every profession share one quality – they get things done.  This quality can catapult success and advancement faster than anything else.  This is such a simple idea, however not many people have taken it to heart.  There is an endless number of reasons – something else came up, I’m too busy, I’m putting out fires, the dog ate my homework.

I found some ways you can strengthen your habit of taking action – that’s all it is, a habit.

Strengthen #1:  Don’t wait until conditions are perfect.  There will always be something that isn’t just right.  The real world doesn’t create a perfect time to start something.  Take action and deal with the results as they come about.

Strengthen #2: Just do it.  Practice doing things rather than thinking about them.  The longer an idea sits in your head without being acted on, the weaker it becomes.  Be a doer and get things done.  If I “thought” about running in the morning, I would never go out.

Strengthen #3:  Ideas are valuable only with action.  We all have many ideas that are really important.  Even an average idea that is implemented is more valuable than tons of brilliant ones which remain in your mind.

Strengthen #4:  Action cures fear.  The hardest time to take action is the first time you do something.  Once you get started the fear goes away.  Think about talking to someone you admire, at first you may be nervous.  Once you start the conversation the fear subsides.

Strengthen #5:  Be mechanical about starting your creativity.  Waiting for inspiration can be a long wait.  If you need to come up with a new idea, start brainstorming crazy ideas.  Write something, anything down.  The simple action of physically doing the writing can start the creativity.

Strengthen #6:  The time is now.  Focus on right now.  When you start thinking about what you “should” have done last week or what you might do next week, nothing gets done.  Think about only now and take action – pick up the phone, send the email, talk to your boss.  Pondering about the past or future will keep you from moving forward now.

Strengthen #7:  Remove the distractions.  If you want to get something done and take action, shut down your email, turn off your phone, close your door.  Be someone who gets to the point and you’ll be more productive and people will look to you as a leader.

Strengthen #8:  Initiative.  It takes courage to take action without the direction or approval of someone else.  When you have a good idea, start implementing it without being told.  The people at the top don’t have anyone telling them what to do.  Get used to acting independently.

What tips do you have for getting into action?  What motivates you to go forward?  Share your tips below.

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