TAKING ACTION: Overcoming Inaction and moving forward

You need to finish that project, but you put it off. In your closet, the cute gym outfits you bought are gathering dust; you want to start a business, learn a new language, or start a you tube channel, but you just can't seem to get around to doing these things. Since success and action go hand in hand, our battles with inaction are all the more puzzling. Why do so many of us fall into cycles of inaction, delay, and self-sabotage if the key to success in life is frequently to "do things, learn from them, repeat"?

If you are in that space right now, you are not alone. Show yourself some compassion as we dive in and try to understand why this is happening and what we can do to relieve ourselves of the pain and anguish that comes with not taking action. Inaction affects people from all walks of life. It can be caused by a variety of factors, and, if left unchecked, can lead to long-term consequences for individuals, their families, and society as a whole. In this article, we'll explore some of the common causes of inaction and examine how to identify and address them.

One of the most common causes of inaction is fear. This could be fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of criticism, or fear of the consequences of our actions. When we feel overwhelmed by fear, it can be difficult to take action, not taking action feels like a safer option because if you don't start then there is no chance of failure. To address this, it's important to identify the source of your fear, to talk to a therapist who can provide support and advice, and to take small steps towards overcoming your fears.

Another primary cause of inaction is a lack of direction. When we don't have a clear goal or plan of action, it's easy to feel lost and confused. To combat this, it's important to create a plan of action and break it down into smaller, achievable goals. Having too many ideas, goals, or plans that are not written down can create the notion in our minds that there is too much work that needs to be done which requires a lot of time and energy, this causes you to lose motivation, thus giving up even before you start. Having a plan and a timeline can help you to set and work towards our goals.

Procrastination is another common cause of inaction. It steals your time by tricking you into thinking you have more time. When we give procrastination permission to rent a space in our minds, it begins what I like to call the take-over. Procrastination and productivity cannot coexist; one has to go. Procrastination can be caused by perfectionism, lack of motivation, or simply the desire to avoid difficult tasks. To address this issue, it's important to identify the source of your procrastination and to find strategies to help you get moving. I specifically love the 5-second rule, when a thought pops into your mind about what you are supposed to be doing at a particular time. Count 5 to 1, drop your distraction, and force yourself to pivot and do the task on your to-do list.

Negative self-talk can also be a major contributor to inaction. When you constantly criticize yourself, it can be difficult to take action and believe in yourself. To address this, it's important to identify any negative thoughts and challenge them. We can also practice positive self-talk and talk to people who can help us to stay motivated and focused. Inaction can be a difficult issue to address, but by understanding the root causes, you can begin to take action and work toward your goals. By identifying your fears, creating a plan of action, breaking down large tasks, and practicing positive self-talk, we can begin to progress and move forward.I challenge you after reading this blog to begin to do what needs to be done. I promise you, it is more satisfying to complete a task than not to do it at all.

The world awaits your brilliance, and the path of action is yours to explore. Take that leap, and let the journey unfold with each step you take. Embrace the magic of action, and the world will marvel at the wonders you create.