Thinking Starts The Game, Action Decides The Winner
There are many well-known stories of extremely successful individuals who are, intensely driven, other worldly regimented, creative and bright, brighter, brightest. They spy their prize and relentlessly plot out their pursuit until their Holy Grail is secured. Some names that may strike a chord are Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, John Dutton (for all you Yellowstone fans) and Steve Jobs.
These examples of high achievers and many like them do not necessarily represent the norm. There are countless numbers of us who are creative, bright, gifted and motivated towards achievement, but may not possess the natural tendency or self-awareness to be as planful, as regimented, or as persistent.
While many of us have a dream or a passion, the creative urge, the smarts, motivation to succeed, a story to tell, a mountain to climb, there may be circumstances, natural tendencies or self-doubts that derail our confidence and efforts. What these high achievers have learned is that, most desired outcomes are determined by how well we are able to plan and then turn that plan into intentional actions.
Many of us have goals and dreams worth realizing. Perhaps creating the next great business, becoming a famous chef, managing the only Rhinoceros petting zoo in Paris, creating the next blockbuster App, or designing a jacket zipper that never gets stuck (I wish someone would!), but for many of us our goals and ambitions get lost in thought or stuck in self-doubt. You might have the energy, a great idea, vision or goal, but you may not be ready to invest in yourself, to trust yourself or to fully commit to a workable plan.
Consider what we think as the lead-in to what we do. Thought, plan, action, success!
There are questions to be asked and answered to attain clarity, direction and confidence.
What are the values and rewards of my goal? What will it take to achieve it? How much am I ready to commit? What resources will I need and do I have them and where do I get them if I don’t? What level of discomfort am I willing to experience if any? What changes will be required and is the reward equal to or greater than the effort? Can I do this on my own or do I need help/support. What are my behavior patterns that might get in my way or derail me? What are my strengths and how will I use them to my advantage? What are my blind spots? Am I ready to meet the challenge with action?
Ideas/goals without purposeful planning and sustained intentional action render little personal reward. High achievers have learned this, believe this, live this. You should too!
You Can’t Complete Something Until You Start Something
You can’t complete something until you begin something.
What if, you actually took a first step towards that crucial goal that sits restlessly in your mind, rather than just thinking about it or waiting for divine intervention today? Would you be more hopeful about your potential for success? Might that small step produce more energy and confidence?
I would suggest a route that is painless and with a high reward ceiling. There is typically a beginning and an end to any path, which if never stepped upon will offer no opportunity for satisfaction or success. If you sit long enough in contemplation or apprehension you will only learn to be very good at sitting.
One small step, what might that be you ask? It could be something as simple as:
· Putting down your I Pad, Smart Phone etc. and telling someone what your goal is and why it is important to you.
· Getting off the couch and writing down a value statement regarding the effort you will put forth and identifying the reward waiting at the end of the rainbow.
· Sitting down and charting the steps you would need to take.
· Making that first contact to get the ball rolling.
· Identifying the thoughts that have held you back and asking someone you trust to give you a nudge forward.
· Researching the information you need to put your plan into action.
· Asking for help when you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by your project.
· Identifying and gathering the resources that will bring your goal to fruition.
I’m always suspicious when someone tells me they intend to quit smoking next Monday and today is Tuesday. While I believe they are well intended, I know they are negotiating internally and chances are very high that come Monday they will still be puffing away.
Putting off the challenge of an uncertain quest or reward for another day or week or month may bring some relief but never the emotional rush, sense of achievement and success that comes from an adventure faced and conquered.
Intentional activity breeds more activity and a more determined you.
Remember
Your success is determined by your effort!
Blog Post Title One
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Two
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.