Monday, December 11, 2006
Magnificent Monday Motivators
Magnificent Monday Motivatorssm~
Taking Action
Taking Action
There are many gifts we can give. Now many of you may be thinking that you are already stretched, especially since it is December and the holiday season is upon us. Giving gifts is a part of many traditions during the various holidays. Allow me to put your mind at ease because the gift I am talking about doesn’t cost any money.
Actually this gift is one you give to yourself first, which may cause others to benefit from it as well. The gift I am referring to is the gift of taking action.
Many people I connect with—friends, family, clients, students, readers colleagues, etc.—often share hopes, dreams and intentions. What I find interesting is that often they’ll be talking about the same things months or even years later. They haven’t moved beyond the talking and wishing stage. (Okay, now it’s time for true confessions. I admit that I too have done this…mostly in the past.) When talking and wishing go on too long, frustration and sadness can occur. This can lead to feelings of stuckness, physical challenges and even apathy.
As Eric Lofholm, international sales trainer, says often, “the universe rewards those who take action differently than those who don’t.” (Check out http://tinyurl.com/a6qre to learn more about Eric and the myriad ways he takes action along with articles and podcasts.)
It is one thing to aim high, to dream and to set goals. It is a completely different experience when these are combined with the commitment to take action. Taking action can begin when you sit down to engage in a visioning and goal setting process. The next step, then, is to allow the momentum to build and begin taking action on an ongoing basis.
Here are some pointers that can be used as a checklist.
- Be clear on the ‘what’ and ‘when’. Clearly identifying what it is you are wanting to be, do or have can set the pace for it coming to fruition. Also knowing whether the ‘what’ falls into the: it would be nice, must do now or within five years category guides you in how to best focus your time, talents and energy.
- Think it. Feel it. See it. Be it. Engage your imagination, emotions, senses, whole body in the process. The more real it seems, the more real it becomes. (For more on this check out the Have/Do/Be Reversal under the tools link at www.lifeenergyalignment.com.)
- Create lists and/or visuals. Writing down a list of what needs to be done, by when, gives you a map to follow along the way. Having some sort of visual serves as a cue and makes everything that much more real. This can be pictures, symbols, actual models or anything that represents the outcome of what you are working towards.
- Schedule time to reflect. Taking time to get quiet and determine where you are, how far you have come, what needs to be modified or eliminated, what can continue as is, and most importantly, do you want to go forward. Is time well spent.
- Every day do something that moves you closer. Yes take action in some way every day. This may be something as simple as reviewing your plans, checking completed items off your list or making a phone call. Don’t wait until…Begin now and then do something…one thing…anything everyday.
- Ask for support. This can be with a mastermind group, a friend, a mentor or a coach. Asking for support is actually a sign of strength. Remember there are specific times when it is best for us to be independent. And there are times where interdependence serves us better.
- Be mindful of your self-talk. Self-talk relates to the messages you give yourself, often silently in your mind. Sometimes they are said aloud. Pay attention to the messages. Are they supportive? Are they critical? Honor the supportive ones. Engage in inquiry for the critical or judgmental ones to discover what is behind them. You may find that fear and resistance are attempting to hold you back. Don't let them.
- Release and let go of those things that no longer work. This includes intentions you may have felt strongly toward at one point in time. As we continue to grow and learn, we fine-tune our desires and interests. Letting go does not mean you have failed. It means you are ready for something more fulfilling and worthy of your time, talent and interests.
- Celebrate your successes along the way. Acknowledge and celebrate your actions, breakthroughs, ah ha’s, mistakes/learning opportunities, etc. Keep things in perspective from a pat on the back to a party, as appropriate.
Taking action is a gift you begin giving to yourself. Then it becomes a gift you can give to others either directly or indirectly. This is true because of who you become along the way, more so than the actual end result. Though the end result can be quite nice as well.
In the Forward Flow of Action,
Antoinette
In the Forward Flow of Action,
Antoinette
(c) 2006 Antoinette S. Webster. All rights reserved. www.ASystemthatWorks.com
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