When there’s a temporary lull in my life – when new opportunities don’t seem to be finding their way to my desk – it’s a signal for me to start taking action. ~ Robert Ringer
Being busy is a form of laziness—lazy thinking and indiscriminate action. Being busy is most often used as a guise for avoiding the few critically important but uncomfortable actions. – Tim Ferriss
Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer the negative elements in your life, don’t sit at home and think about it. Go out and get busy! – Dale Carnegie
It’s hard to get clear. Most people are bumping around without clarity on what matters. You can’t simply react to everything without regard for the goals that will move the needle.
These quotes are motivating. I thought I would share a list of some concrete, perhaps unexpected, ways of taking action so you can get out of the rut of inaction when you don’t know what to do:
- Take a walk. Get away and let your mind expand rather than hyperfocus.
- Read for ten minutes. Get some new knowledge and insights.
- Meet a trusted friend. Someone who has insight and perspectives can help you consider more than is in your head.
- Open up another option. Work on alternatives to what you already have.
- Write. Pull out a legal pad and start writing everything and anything to see what you are thinking.
- Make calls. Whoever might have advice can be a counselor. Talk it through.
- Research. Spend time looking at market information. Crunchbase is great for company information. Youtube can get you learning about technical details. Get into learning mode and take notes.
The important thing is that you are in motion and lubricating your action joints. One action catalyzes the next motivation and step. You can’t think your way to some amazing result. You have to take one step which reveals the next one.
What can you do right now as a simple next action?