Thursday, September 17, 2009

Step 3: Take action - Goals are nothing without action. Don't be afraid to get started with your invention. Just do it.

Almost all of us are coming up with great ideas that solve various problems. That’s why we’re inventors isn’t it? The difference though between success and mediocrity is taking action on those ideas. The longer you put off an idea or goal the less likely you are to achieve or complete them.

All the planning in the world will not help you achieve your goals. You must take action. Once you have determined a goal for yourself, take action within 24 hours. This will set the wheels in motion and create the necessary momentum you need. I once heard a speaker state, “We are either moving toward or away from our goals.” Develop the habit of taking action on a daily basis.

If you are overwhelmed by your goals it's time to break them down into manageable chunks. If you have a large goal that has you intimidated, break it down into steps and even if you are unsure of the all the steps to come at least you know what to focus on next. For example, focus on perfecting your prototype and not on the sales pitch you might be making down the road.

Try not to look at all of the tasks that it will take to reach a goal. When I’m inundated with the many tasks at hand I always remember a story my Mother used to tell me about a boy who was completely overwhelmed with having to memorize thousands of bird species for a test at school. He came to his father with tears in his eyes, not knowing where to start, or how he could ever accomplish the massive task at hand. His father touched his head gently and said, “Son, just take one bird at a time. Don’t look at the birds as a whole.” The boy followed his father’s advice and aced the test.

I remind myself of this simple yet wise story on a daily basis and take one task at a time until my list is completely scratched off.

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