What’s going on in our brain between the time we say yes to doing something, to the time we perhaps have a change of mind? Well … let’s see …..

For a split second do you think you’re going to do it. Or do you already know that you have no intention of doing what you said you’d do?

I’m fascinated every time I hear someone say; “yes” to doing something, when in actual fact they have no real intention of taking action.

Is it fear of disappointing another, being stuck, not sure what to do, laziness, or maybe it’s a combination of all these? In any case, it’s something to certainly think about, hopefully action, or at the very least better understand oneself.

I equate “saying yes, when you really mean “no” to someone who is also always late for everything. You know, the ones that keeps you waiting. Translation: A complete lack of respect for one’s time. Interesting how these both fall under, ‘time.’ Why?

I don’t know about you, but when you say yes to something, I believe you. I’m excited. I’m thankful. I feel good. You have given me the gift of your time.

Therefore, when you have no intention of doing what you said you’d do, you are now wasting my time.

After all, I am waiting on you to do what you said you’d do. I’m even waiting on you to let me know of you can’t do what you said you’d do.

In the meantime, I’m not asking anyone else. I’m anticipating that I’m going to receive some kind of action from you.

Do you see what I mean?

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about this. Obviously, I’m bugged by it. I have now conditioned myself to expect that something may not transpire if someone simply says that they’ll do it. Sad, and yet true.

I just may be losing faith in one’s ‘good word,’ the ‘handshake,’ the ‘my word is my bond’ statements. At the very least I have managed my expectations as I hate, yes hate being disappointed. It bums me out. I’m positive I’m not the only one that feels this way.

I know, I know, you may be thinking, Suck it up.” “Life is full of disappointments.” And yet, what a waste of time.

So, what does any of this have to do with;“5 ways to take action?” I’m a firm believer in; How you do one thing (most of the time) is how you do everything (most of the time).

Which means, if you’re saying “yes” to someone or something when you really mean “no”. Or when you’re known for always being late; or for that matter; if you keep a messy home, car or even computer, more often than not, other aspects of your life will probably be about; commitment issues, procrastination, disorganization, or even having a scattered brain.

All this to say, I’d like you to consider where you’re at with this. Think about how you are in taking action toward leading a kind, proactive and purpose-driven life.

By working backgrounds, you can better determine why you may not be as action-oriented as you may think you are or could be.

Consider these 5 ways to action and IF you’re finding that you’re stuck and not as motivated as you could be. Think back to how you do things most of the time.

Here we go ….

1. Shorten The Thinking Process

When you over think something or get bogged down in the process you can get overwhelmed. For example; When it comes to doing something that is ‘good for you’ you tend to not want to do it. You get lazy. In this case you need to ‘leap’ into action. This is a ‘just do it’ moment.

The same thing goes for when you say ‘yes’ to something while in the moment. In this case you can shorten the thinking process by better understanding your priorities. If you already know that you’re overly committed, keep it short and simple, and just say; “no.” You’ll do everyone a favour in the long run.

2. Don’t Fixate On Outcomes

When you put more of your brain power and focus on achieving your end goal it can distract you from what we need to be doing in the moment. By fixating too much on an end goal, you might miss out on opportunities in the present. You need to be flexible to the possibilities as they arise.

3. Eliminate Sources Of Distraction

Distractions can take many forms. Watching TV or a movie. Taking phone calls, texting friends, even snacking. All of these can sabotage your efforts to get things that you said you do, done. It’s not about willpower. It’s about removing the distractions that can lead to procrastination.

Ideally you want to eliminate any temptation for distraction. For example; turn off your phone, the TV, and scale back your use of social media.

4. Don’t Wait For The Right Time

There will always be a reason not to do something. Always. There will never be the perfect conditions. Therefore, you need to do it anyways.

5. Find Purpose

All good actions have a reason and purpose behind them. When you find something that gives you purpose, finding that motivation to do it will be a lot easier. Purpose fuels the fire. Even when there are snags, if you go back to why you’re doing something, it’ll keep you going. It’ll be easier to move through the tough times.

Each and every one of us has goals and dreams that we want to for ourselves. We may not know how to achieve it, or how to get there, and yet I can say for certainty that those things will be determined by the actions that you take in order to get what you want.

There’s something to be said for the old adage; “Better to take action and do the things that you want now, rather than to wait and risk it never happening at all.” AndTheir lies the truth.

What are you waiting for?