The Great Winter and the Ability to Take Action

The Great Winter and the Ability to Take Action

When I look out the window on the snowy landscape I have two thoughts.  My first reaction is how pretty it is and then I think, "Yuck, I really do NOT want to go out in this weather!"  I want to hibernate, to sit at my desk, to not take action.

 I had a roommate right after college when I was living in central Iowa. It got so cold, especially for a city boy from Southern Illinois. My roommate, John, was from northern Minnesota and he always complained that Iowa was just too warm for him...he ended up in Alaska.

I tell this story not to prove what a wimp I am, but that much that we experience in life is a matter of perspective. Shakespeare said it well, "there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."  The Bard of Avon opined that are perspective, our point of view is what makes the difference in whether a thing is considered good or bad.

Attitude does so much more. Our view on an event or a task paints the vigor of how we attack that assignment, which affects the quality of the work done. Imagine if every task could be turned into a game, a joyous occasion. Would it make a difference? I think it would...and does.

Most people avoid what is uncomfortable: public speaking, starting a new business venture, or asking out that individual. Why? I believe that it is a fear of failure...of rejection.  Basically, the inability to take action.  Yet, it is that very fear that incapacitates us, which to procrastination. Procrastination, never abated is terminal inaction.

The cure--massive action. Oh, action without planning is foolish one might say. Maybe, but let me relate a story. When I was in the Marines I had a friend who every night was seen with the most attractive women on the strip. Another jealous Jarhead asked my friend how he did it. After all, my friend was not abnormally good  looking.

His answer was this, "I never ask out a girl unless she is an 8 (out of 10) or higher." Now this might seem sexist, but he had a point. You see he knew most of the women he approached would reject him but if he kept at it eventually one would say "yes." He was bold. He was able to take action. He did not fear rejection. That almost made him a super hero.

Applying this principle to what we do or want to do is quite simple. As the Nike ad says, "Just Do It." We can study a plan forever. We can measure forever, but a house doesn't get built unless you put hammer and saw to work. So as you go out today, tomorrow...

Take Action, Be Bold, Don't Worry What Others May Say

Don

P. S. Taking Action is easier with the help of a mentor, take action