It is magnificent to take the mystery out of why you do not take action now so you can move forward and accomplish your goals. Take action now means to step up now, this very moment and do what needs to be done. When you take action now you move forward towards completing and accomplishing your goals. One thing that keeps people from taking action now is that they do not know why they do not act. For these people the reason they do not move from plan to action is a mystery.
When you take the mystery out of whatever it is that keeps you from making the move to take action now you will be able to move forward with confidence. It is important to figure out why you do not take action now when action is needed. Once you understand why you do not act when you should, you can work to figure out how to take action when it is needed. It is kind of like the saying from the old cartoon, “knowing is half the battle.”
If you are confused about what is keeping you from stepping up to take action now, sit down and do some critical thinking. Look at situations that cause you to sit rather than act. For example, when it is time to start the business you have been planning do you plan, plan and plan rather than start working your plan? When it is time to fire an employee do you look for ways to give her a second chance or train her again and again? When your kids need to be disciplined do you wait for the other parent to get home or do you step up to the plate?
Whatever your situation is, sit back and really look at why you do not take action now. Some of the common reasons people don’t take action now are:
- fear of the unknown
- lack of resources
- desire for more information
- fear of failure or success
Sit down now and figure out what is keeping you from taking the step to take action now. If you are not taking action now because you are afraid of the unknown, go out and get the information you need to move forward. If you lack resources including financial resources, create a plan to get the resources you need to take action. This may mean getting another job, creating a savings plan or adjusting your budget to cover the financial requirement. If you are stifled by fear of failure or fear of success, suck it up and move.
When I am in a situation where I take action now and feel unable to move or even afraid I do a two part test. First, I think about the worst thing that can happen if I take action now and do the thing I need to do. Second, I think about what is the best thing that can happen if I take action now. Once I know the two ends of the spectrum I always feel more in control. I understand what my outcomes are and feel better able to move forward and do what needs to be done.
No matter what your situation is, take time to learn what it is that keeps you from taking action now. It is a cliche, but knowledge really is power. When you know what holds you back and what keeps you from taking action when you should, you can do what you dream. Knowledge will enable you to accomplish your goals and reach the stars you set for yourself.
[Tweet “Learn what stops you from moving forward and you will be able to take action now and succeed.”]
In conclusion, it is magnificent to take the mystery out of why you do not take action now so you can move forward and accomplish your goals. So, the question for you this magnificent day is what is keeping your from taking action now and accomplishing your goals?
I had that feeling and that is why I started filling to do items in on the calendar. If I cannot fit it in my calendar I cannot fit it in my life.
I think I get overwhelmed by the workload and the stress makes me procrastinate. I need to figure that out.
I think good sleep and less interruptions would definitely help me out in a tremendous way! 🙂
For me it’s just never enough time in the day! I could get so much more done with a few more hours!
I don’t like to make excuses about things but, sometimes, life is interrupted by situations we have no control over. When that happens, I’m learning to let go and let God.
For me it’s definitely procrastinating and fear. I love your tips.
Once I stifled being afraid of what I don’t know, I found so much more success!
I think that once someone has figured out why they are not taking action and addressing it, things can move along more smoothly from that point. At least thats the case in most of my own situations!
Janeane I completely agree with you First step is acknowledging so you can move forward.
I love your quote. It is advice that I need to take.
Great advice. Knowing ourselves better can help in so many ways – especially when it comes to business and our own personal motivation. – Katy
I’m glad you put fear of success of here. That is a very real thing!
I agree figuring out what is holding you back is definitely the first step in being able to move forward!
This is such a great reminder. There are so many times when I get excited and make plans to make a change and then I don’t follow through. I need to figure out what keeps me from taking action. I think it is fear of failing.
I think fear is what holds most of us back most of the time – although sometimes it’s just laziness!
Good advice. Great to move on and learn
Yes! Once you know what that thing is you can actually do something about it. Thanks for this motivating post!
Great tips. It seems that a lot of people have trouble with motivation once in a while.
For me, it’s been fear. Since I started my VA business, business has been good, but when you’re just starting out and the work starts flying, it can get really overwhelming.
I’m terrible about that, too! The bigger the project, the more I put it off. It always gets done, but I really need to work on that.
Sometimes, you’ve really got to take stock of yourself to figure out what’s holding you back. Humans always shy away from things they don’t want to confront.
Great tips to think about. I don’t usually procrastinate but sometimes I let myself get too overwhelmed!
What great tips… I have a habit of over-thinking things and psyching myself out…
I’m the biggest procrastinator I know. I need a push every now and then!
Yes, it’s important to find ways to get and stay motivated!
I need a little motivation every now and then.
Insight is powerful! As a coach, it’s easy to help others see why they don’t move forward, but a little harder to figure it out for myself.
Thanks for the words of wisdom, sometimes taking action is one of the hardest things to do.
Much needed words of encouragement. Thanks for shaing
I don’t procrastinate. I think procrastination kills dreams. If you want to do something,do it. research it,then do it !
Just thinking about what stops me from certain things and usually it is the fear of what others think.
Great post. I think many people get in the habit of “waiting” and then they just never move forward. Or they keep thinking that there will be a time when they’re “ready” to get started, only that time never comes.
Great post, it definitely is convicting! I tend to drag my feet too often!
Usually in my case, it’s procrastination. If I just got things done, that would help a lot.