“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar
It Takes Action: Stop Waiting and Start Moving
Let’s cut to the chase. Deciding to do something and doing it are two entirely different things. And this distinction is exactly why so many people stay stuck, waiting for the "perfect moment" that never comes.
The Canoe Test: A Lesson in Action
Imagine this: Three people are in a canoe, floating down a river, laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying the ride. Suddenly, one of them decides to jump into the river.
Now, here’s the question. How many people are left in the canoe?
If you said two, you’re with the 90% of people who get this answer wrong.
The correct answer? Three. Why? Because deciding to jump and actually jumping are not the same thing. Thinking about action doesn’t create change. Taking action does.
The Power of Action
Regarding success, whether in business, relationships, or personal goals, action separates those who achieve from those who don’t. Not planning, not talking about it, and not thinking about it.
It is about taking action. And not just any action but controlled effort and mindful influence.
Controlled Effort: The Formula for Execution
Controlled effort is about applying verified, tested mental and physical exertion to get a specific result. It’s like following a recipe to bake a three-layer cake. If you throw ingredients together without a plan, you’ll end up with a mess, not a masterpiece. Success works the same way. Follow the proper steps, execute precisely, and get your desired result.
Mindful Influence: Navigating the Process with Intention
Mindful influence is about being aware of how your actions shape outcomes. Imagine kayaking downstream—you can guide the kayak left or right, but you can't force it upstream. You have influence, but only within the reality of the situation. Success requires being mindful of what you can control and directing your energy effectively.
The Recipe for Taking Action
If you’re ready to stop sitting in the canoe and actually jump, here’s your action plan:
- Decide: Get crystal clear on your goal. Why does it matter to you? Attach an emotion to it, because emotions drive action. If you don’t feel it, you won’t do it.
- Look: Assess the landscape. Who can help you, and what do you need to make this happen? What are the potential obstacles? Be prepared, but don’t overanalyze. Just get what you need and move.
- Time: Set a timeframe. Without a deadline, a goal is just a wish. Make it measurable so you can track progress and hold yourself accountable.
- Go: This is the part where most people freeze. But you don’t need to see the entire staircase to take the first step. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
Your Move
You have the recipe. The only thing left? Action. And let’s be honest. That’s the hardest part. But here’s the truth: Regret is heavier than fear. Living a life of "I tried" is infinitely better than one filled with "I wish." So stop waiting. Stop deciding. And start doing.
