I is for Initiative

Success does not just come knocking at your door. A great career or business, warm and loving family relationships, and a healthy and energetic body do not just happen. You have to make a plan and then go after it. You have to put down the chips, get off the couch and make it happen.

You have to first make the decision that you want a successful life. You have to decide that you are willing to put forth the effort in your professional world and in your personal world. You need to make a commitment to yourself that you are not going to give up or cave in just because the road gets more and more rocky and steep. You cannot find success until the crowd thins out.

Once you have truly committed to your goal it is time to make your move. Be brave, believe in yourself and dive in. You cannot take the initiative from the sidelines. You have to step boldly forward and push to where you want to go. Sure, you may stumble here and there along the way, but that is part of the learning process. Re-group and then step forward again.

I am not suggesting that you do not take the time to plan, but always keep the following in mind: a plan is just a plan, a plan is never perfect, and a plan does not get you where you want to go. Taking the initiative and taking action will propel you forward. If you are constantly tweaking your plan, or waiting for the ideal moment you will find yourself years in the future still on the sidelines. Yes, make a plan. Think it through. Take a little time to do some research. Talk to other people who have gotten to where you want to go (successful people really do enjoy helping others climb the mountain). But don’t get bogged down in minutia.

Carpe Diem! Seize the day! Step off the curb and get moving. You’ll find you are capable of so much more than you thought. You’ll find yourself wondering why you waited so long. Don’t beat yourself up over it – you are moving now and you are another step closer to achieving the success you are looking for. Keep moving, keep stepping boldly. Take the initiative to meet others, to propose new ideas, to seek out new opportunities and to let those around you know how important they are to you.

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