Action Archives - Page 81 of 121

What Am I Contributing To?

Posted on November 24, 2021

Before taking action, ask yourself this question. What am I contributing to? If everything goes well, what would it look like? However, if things go wrong, how could that end up? Do you need to take this action or is it simply a desire?

I will guess that we have all had moments, that in hindsight looked like we made a less beneficial decision. We can’t undo those but we can try to minimise them going forward.

Grabbing a pitchfork to join the mob is rarely a good idea. Not being able to admit that you were wrong on something, or that you misunderstood the detail, shows a lack of moral intelligence and possibly cowardice. It’s ok to admit you spoke too soon or didn’t wait to get accurate details, but even better is to have the patience to find out the relevant details first next time.

What am I contributing to? We don’t always know in advance but when we do begin to see the adverse effects of our actions or words, we should straighten things out very quickly.

Action Observe Progress Think About It

Lazy Or Lacking Purpose?

Posted on November 22, 2021

It can be easy to say we are lazy or observe others and come to that conclusion. We become unwilling to work or use our energy when we don’t have a clear goal or outcome in mind.

You might feel lazy when you have competing deadlines. It can be easier to curl up on the sofa and hope they disappear. Or go for walks, lunch with friends or to the pub – whatever distraction we prefer. It can feel all too hard. So, we just avoid the whole thing.

Although this can be one way to deal with things, we should edge toward greater discipline. Do one thing to move the situation forward. Make that phone call, write a few lines or add some context for someone. Just the idea of getting started can propel you to keep going. Then, once you are 10 minutes in, it can be hard to stop because you are so engaged in the process and can see the outcome.

Are you lazy or lacking purpose? I would suggest we all have a lazy tendency if we allow it. However, if we set an exciting goal to pursue, we will find that purpose propelling us to greater heights. When you are driven by enthusiasm for you objective, you need less discipline. You can simply be obsessed.

Action Health & Fitness Progress Reframe your thoughts Time

It’s Hard To Change

Posted on November 21, 2021

Habits and patterns of behaviour can be incredibly difficult to change. Our environment has adapted to make the habits easier. In addition, our desire for familiarity adds to the challenge of changing. Finally, our self-image will stop us if the new habit is not in aligment with how we see ourselves.

Three things to make it easier to change are as follows:

Adjust your environment to make the new habit easier and the old habit harder. For example, have all your clothes ready by your bed to go exercise when you wake up. Also, put your alarm on the other side of the room so you have to get out of bed to shut it off (and therefore not hit snooze and roll over). Put the volume high too so you need to go shut it off or turn it down.
Be patient and know that it will take days, weeks and months to get familiar and comfortable with this new routine. The greater familiarity and better environment will make it all seem easier.
Remind yourself daily, 10 times per day or more, that you are this new type of person. You could say, ‘I am an early morning person.’ You could add, ‘I am a fit and healthy person.’ By saying the ‘I am’ statements many times per day, while also doing steps 1 & 2, you will reinforce this new personality you are becoming. This will improve the chances of your mind and body accepting this new way of being and thriving with it.

Yes, it’s hard to change, but you can make it easier on yourself and increase your probability of success. Start today!

Action Reframe your thoughts

Defending The Cause

Posted on November 19, 2021

It is important to stand firm for your beliefs. Defending the cause is an important tradition. But when should we learn to take the momentum and build something better rather than fight against something that is losing power, quite negative and improving the lives of every few people?

Fighting for worker’s rights in the Industrial Age was probably a useful battle. With so many laws and protections for workers now, we may possibly be getting diminishing returns by fighting against management.

Perhaps looking forward and educating and empowering workers would be better for them. Help them learn while taking more responsibility and accountability. Helping them become better, stronger and more independent would be a real benefit to them. It may work better than only protecting them.

Remember that when we are protecting some, we do not need to attack others. Uplift those that can benefit from it rather than being anti things that are improving already.

Action Progress Time

Keep Pressing Forward

Posted on November 18, 2021

No matter what you do, keep pressing forward. It may seem too difficult or even useless. But keep moving things in the direction you need. Write out and plan every step and then execute on that plan. You will be successful if you do this. You may even become unstoppable.

Action Health & Fitness

Brush Your Teeth

Posted on November 17, 2021

Twice a day. It certainly seems like a good idea. Use toothpaste. But not very much. Certainly you don’t need the huge long amount shown on tv and in pictures.

And shut the water off except when spitting in the sink or quickly rinsing your toothbrush. Anything more is wasting water. Think of all the energy and cleaning it takes to get that water to run through your tap. Don’t waste it.

Flossing is also a good idea. Though certainly, brush your teeth.

Action Observe Think About It

Everyone Has Their Role To Play

Posted on November 14, 2021

You can play any role. Although, some will suit you better than others. It may be best to pursue a role that highlights your superpower. If you don’t know what that is yet, go with your intuition.

Whatever feels right is the best option. However, you can train your mind or body to create another superpower if the first one isn’t to your preference.

Things can take awhile. But everyone has their role to play. So get out there and make it happen.

Action Reframe your thoughts

Stop Doubting Yourself

Posted on November 13, 2021

You’ll do better if you just do and not doubt you.
What is the point in doubting yourself? Just try hard, roll the dice and let the chips fall where they may.

You’ll do as well as you do. You’ll probably do better if you put some prep into it and have positive thoughts around it. You should try. And feel good for trying at all.

If it is really important to you, you’ll get better and try again. No one will know or remember the pain or embarrassment you felt in trying. The history books and long memories will only remember that you made the attempt. Make it a good shot.

Stop doubting yourself.

Action Gratitude Time

Appreciate Your Freedoms

Posted on November 11, 2021

Unfortunately we don’t usually notice our freedoms until they are taken away. If you grew up free, you don’t know anything else. That doesn’t make you bad, just unaware.

There are so many freedoms. Try appreciating your freedoms today.

Freedom of movement. Freedom of religion, to drive, to associate, go for a walk, make a living and use your money how you please.

Imagine each one of those being slowly taken away. Appreciate them now.

Action Observe Think About It

Completing Your Book Cover

Posted on November 10, 2021

Part eulogy and part posing, the book cover requires some real crafting to do it well. You have to put things in the bio to make it useful but interesting. It’s got to stand out on the shelf and sizzle a little to captivate the audience. Striking the right balance can be a challenge.

Like a best man’s speech, after dinner toast or company presentation, you need to make every word work hard.

Completing your book cover is a challenge. We may have completed mine by noon Thursday.