“Take action!” An inch of movement will bring you closer to your goals than a mile of intention.” –Dr. Steve Maraboli
What is your long-term plan? Would you like to make $1 million per year? Or become a leader within your organization? Or achieve the perfect work-life balance that allows you to pursue your hobbies and spend more quality time with your family?
No matter your goal, there’s one thing that’s certain: you won’t achieve it by sitting still.
I know plenty of people with great intention, but little follow-through. They wait and hope that things will happen, but lack the initiative to step forward and make it happen. Don’t let that be you!
It may be easier to sit still, settle for a less-than-perfect situation, and let life glide by, but it is far less rewarding and can wear you down over time. If I’m working with a client who has a positive dream or goal, I encourage her to pursue it—the challenges she might face pale in comparison with the rewards of seeking growth and improvement. And whether or not the original goal is reached, she will undoubtedly achieve more than if she had done nothing!
So, what’s holding you back?
Some of the common reasons I’ve heard for not pursuing a positive change include:
- Fear of failure
- Lack of resources
- Lack of support
- An unclear road map (unsure of the steps to take to make the change)
- Lack of confidence
Fortunately, none of these growth-inhibiting excuses are insurmountable. With a little guidance and coaching, anyone with a positive, motivated attitude can overcome these obstacles and begin moving forward in their career or personal life.
Taking steps toward positive growth is all part of aligning your values with your purpose, something leadership expert Steve Farber calls “finding your frequency,” just as someone might tune a radio dial.
But, how do you get started? How can you start moving forward in a positive manner and overcome your perceived road blocks? Here are four resources to get you going:
- Enlist the help of a career or life coach (If you’d like to know more about the benefits of coaching, I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have).
- Find an accountability partner—a co-worker or close friend who will motivate you and regularly check in on your progress.
- Read! There are several great career books out there that give you specific actions to follow (Of course, you’ll need to follow those actions as well as read about them!). Here are some of my favorites:
- Daring Greatly, by Brene Brown
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey
- Credibility, by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner
- What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles
- The 20-Minute Networking Meeting, by Marcia Ballinger and Nathan A. Perez
- Take the time to sit quietly and reflect on your long-term goals and values. A career or life coach can help you piece together your vision into a clear action plan.
Are you sitting still? A bright future is within your grasp, all you have to do is get up and start moving!
For additional guidance on setting your future into motion, feel free to contact me today.