Intent into Action

By: Liz Wendling

We spend so much time talking, thinking and planning that we never get around to acting on our intentions.  We get stuck in doubt, perfection and distractions and that stops us from moving forward.  To help propel you from inaction to accomplishment, focus on what's really important. Here are some tips to get you moving toward action:

1. Do not over think. It is good to have a clear picture of where you are going or why, but too much thinking can be paralyzing. Don not over think, just do.?
   
   
2. Forget perfection. Perfectionism is the enemy of action. Kill it, immediately. You cannot let perfect stop you from doing. If you wait until it is perfect, it will never get done.  So get going.?
   
   
3. Do not mistake motion for action.  A fury of activity does not mean you are doing anything. When you find yourself moving too quickly, doing too many things at once, this is a good reminder to stop. Slow down. Focus.?
   
   
4. Focus on the important. Clear the distractions. Pick the one most important thing you must do today and focus on that!  When you are done with that, repeat the process.?
   
   
5. Move slowly, consciously. Be deliberate. Action does not need to be done fast. In fact, that often leads to mistakes and while perfection is not at all necessary, neither is making a ridiculous amount of mistakes that could be avoided with a bit of consciousness.?
   
   
6. Take small steps. Biting off more than you can chew will kill the action.  Small steps always work.  Little tiny blows will eventually break down that mountain. Every step is a victory that will compel you to further victories.?
   
   
7. Negative thinking gets you nowhere.  Stop doing that! Self doubt?  Urge to quit?  Squash those thoughts.  Positive thinking, as corny as it sounds, really works. It is self-talk, and what we tell ourselves has a funny habit of turning into reality.?
   
   
8. Talking (usually) is not action.  Unless the action you need to take is a presentation or speech or something.  Usually, talking is just talking. Communication is necessary but don not mistake it for actual action.?
   
   
9. Planning is not action. Sure, you need to plan. Do it, so you are clear about what you are doing. Just do it quickly, and get to the actual action as quickly as you can.

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