“Action expresses priorities.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Think back…but not too far. Just the past few hours. Maybe the past twenty-four hours. How do you feel about them? Do you feel like they represent your priorities and where you want your life to go? Or do you feel like you can do better – and were meant for more?
I was reading through my journal and came across an entry from one of those days that I just didn’t feel like I’d done my best.
It struck me because when we’re really honest with ourselves, that emotion and inspiration comes through even days and months later.
If you’ve maybe been coasting a little bit through your days – then this is definitely for you. Read on.
I am 100% Responsible For …
I am 100% responsible for my actions.
- I am 100% responsible for my inaction
- I am 100% responsible for my distraction
- I am 100% responsible for my reactions
- I am 100% responsible for my proaction
Inaction is the state we all start in: not moving forward, not moving backwards – and slowly wasting away our days. When you are inactive, nothing happens.
Distraction is the state we find ourselves in when we start to fill our days with activities that capture our attention and focus, but divert it away from what is most important to us. When you are distracted, nothing productive happens.
Reaction is when “things” happen, and we have to scramble to respond. Emergencies arise: we react. An email comes in: we react. It’s a response based on an incoming piece of information or change. When you are reactive, things happen to you before you are able to respond to them.
Proaction is where you must be for long term success: taking proactive actions to move yourself and your projects forward.
When you are proactive, you make things happen.
The Question Is …
The question is, what kind of actions will I take today that I am proud of – and what actions will I take today that I will make excuses for?
Strive to avoid inaction, distraction or constantly living in a state of reaction.
Aim for proaction: action that initiates change as opposed to reaction to events
Imagining If…
Imagine if one day in your life you suddenly realized that you could do anything you wanted, if you only took the steps necessary.
Imagine that you realized your potential was limitless and only being held back by uncertainty and lack of action.
What would that feel like? How much freedom would you feel? What if you knew deep down, and were guaranteed there was a day in your life that you would notice that, and everything would change?
And…what if today is that day?