Nothing Happens Unless You Take Action

Action: The manner or method of performing; a thing done; the accomplishment of a thing usually over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition; the most vigorous, productive, or exciting activity in a particular field, area, or group.

I am shocked at people’s sincere surprise that their circumstances, condition, or outcomes have not changed when they have not taken action steps. You can have all the positive thoughts you want, but unless you take action, it is all meaningless.

It does not matter how optimistically you frame your situation. If you don’t take any action steps to improve your condition, 99.9% of the time it will not change.

Here are some examples.

You want to meet that someone special but you aren’t going out much or looking online.
You are wondering why your sales have not increased, but you are not contacting prospective clients about your product or service.
You want to improve your fitness level but, so far, you are only thinking about it. You are not moving off your couch to walk, run, play sports, or lift weights.
You want to invest in real estate but you aren’t investigating properties or attending training seminars.
You are thinking about writing a book. You haven’t decided to stop thinking and start writing!
You want to increase your workplace skills but you are not attending upgrade or development courses.
You want to earn more income but you have no secondary source of revenue outside of your job.

It really doesn’t matter what is on your wish list. Unless you take action steps, nothing will happen.

The adage talk is cheap rings true.

Reduce the size of your wish list so you can more easily take some type of action on each item.

Stop fooling yourself that you are already taking action. That erodes your credibility with others and with yourself. If something has been on your activity list for some time and you have not acted on it, take it off your list or park it until you are able or willing to take action steps to accomplish it. If it were REALLY important to you, would have acted on it by now.

Sometimes, we harbour goals or desires that are not our own; they are the goals of others.

I want you to challenge yourself to search deep inside to confirm that your goals list authentically reflects your true desires.

Sometimes we don’t take action because we either have fear or we feel overwhelmed by the prospect of tackling the goal itself.

Step back and confirm why you want to fulfill this goal—and what the payoff is for you, if you do achieve the goal.

Learn to take baby steps (micro steps). They qualify as action.

Engage at a pace that works for you, but make sure it is a forward motion, not backward.

If you choose to keep something on your list, you get to determine your own action steps. It can be as simple as making a phone call to an organization that has the information you seek.

Example: I was interested in taking the ultralight pilot training course. After waiting several years, I finally called a local flight school—only to discover that under Transport Canada Laws, a course graduate could not carry a passenger unless the graduate had an Instructor’s rating. The whole purpose of my goal was to fly with my kids or friends—social interaction as well as a flight experience. For years, I had wasted mental energy on a goal that was not reasonable. I should have taken the time to learn the basic details.

I promptly parked that goal. However, Canadian flight laws have changed; you can now (with a few extra instruction hours) get a passenger-endorsed license. And further my son has his pilot license so as desired we can fly together.

Action, as defined in this article, is any proactive movement that moves you toward your goal. It can be as simple as my ultralight research or booking appointments or writing out your strategy.

What about you? Where have you talked the good talk but not taken any action?

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
Confucius 551 BC – 479 BC

Motion or action is supported by confidence. Knowing yourself and your purpose increases your belief to engage and get going.

The Quest For Purpose ecourse will greatly support you on your journey to taking action. As part of the process, we also recommend the following assessments, to give you a holistic picture.

Action Steps