Do you wonder why is it so hard to stop planning and take action?
Do you feel like there just isn’t enough time to get started?
Or you lack the energy and feel exhausted from everything you’re already doing every day – from your job, kids, family responsibilities, and already busting at the seems schedule.
You’re not alone!
You’ve planned, you’ve set goals, you’ve even researched the heck out of this idea of yours, you KNOW what you need to do in order to change your life for the better, but you don’t.
Instead of taking action in your life, you hit the snooze button. You think, maybe later when things are better, less messy, and more perfect than you’ll take action. That you’ll get started when you’ve got free time and more energy.
But, more time rolls by and you still haven’t gotten started.
Why is it so hard to take action?
Table of Contents:
I feel it too, there are times that it’s such a struggle to even get started on something so simple. Ironically, writing this post about taking action was like giving birth. Instead of just writing it already, I decided to go to detangle my curls, post some pics to Instagram, and then make coffee, and a few other useless actions.
Oh and that was after “researching” and drafting three plans for this post.
That’s the thing about plans, even the best-laid ones can lead you absolutely nowhere.
This is Part 3, of a 6-Part Series on How to Actually Achieve Your Goals.
#GoalSlayerSeries breaks down the honest unfiltered truth about what it really takes to achieve your goals. Each post explores one major mindset shift that you need to make in order to become a Goal Slayer (aka someone who achieves their goals without apology or excuse).
In Part 1, we learned why we need to stop setting goals and start setting intentions instead. Then in Part 2, we learned why we need to understand the fears that prevent us from taking action.
Speaking of taking action, let’s explore how you can take action in your life today. It’s not as complicated and as overwhelming as it may seem.
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What Does Taking Action Mean?
Every single day we act, we do stuff, and we get things done. We wouldn’t be so busy and so tired if you weren’t, right? We eat, we work, we watch TV, all of these are actions.
So, how is “taking action” different?
Taking action is a deliberate move towards a predetermined end. When you take action in your life you move with intent. You are taking intentional action towards your goal, dream, or desires. It’s active, not passive. It’s active, not reactive!
It’s the moment when you stop planning and researching, stop making excuses, stop letting fear stop you, and you move forward. And yes, even taking the tiniest step forward counts as taking action.
You are taking action when you stop planning and start moving!
Think about it as if your life was a play. Taking action is the moment you when the director of your life should “AND ACTION” and you do the movements you’ve planned, debated, envisioned, and dreamt about in your script. Where you step off the pages of your plan, outside of your mind, and into reality.
Taking action requires you to do something that matters, that serves your goals, intentions, plans, dreams, or desires. It moves you that much closer from where you’re right now, to where you want to be.
And take a step towards that change, you want so badly in your life that may even scare you. Taking action means accomplishing something, no matter how small, that brings you nearer, not away from or avoiding it with inaction.
When we’re talking about action… It’s probably close to what you think about when you think “I’ve got to dosomething about this!” It’s guided action. It’s purposeful and it’s conscious. – Kyle Eschenroeder
Let’s see the difference in action (pun totally intended):
- When I was washing my hair that was me running away from taking action.
- Even when I researching and planning this post, that was me avoiding taking action.
- But, the moment I started typing this post is when I started taking intentional action.
All that’s required for you to take intentional action is to get started, it’s those first few moments.
What simple intentional action can you take today? It only takes a few moments to take action, just like it took those first few words of this post, “Are you struggling…”
Why Is It Hard to Take Action?
There are so many reasons we tell ourselves that we can’t take action, from not being ready all the way to not having the time. Sound familiar?
Beneath all the explanations and excuses lives what I believe to be the real cause of inaction in our lives – that it matters the most to us and we just don’t feel confident enough to achieve it.
Clearly, we have NO PROBLEM doing things that have zero impact on our lives, don’t shake the boat too much, and cannot challenge our concept of safe (which we discussed in Part 2 of this series, on understanding our fears).
It’s so difficult to take intentional action BECAUSE we want it so badly it scares us, we’re shy to approach it, afraid of what it means if actually can. That fear caused by a lack of belief and confidence in ourselves causes us to not take action.
So, instead of taking action, we:
- Overthink it and replay all the reasons why we can’t do it
- Research it to find out more and keep learning
- Plan it out in extreme detail to the point where we’re burnt out
- Set goals and write to-do lists because “hey, this is doing something right?”
- Are indecisive and focus on making the right choice
- Are perfectionist making perfect plans looking for perfect timing
- Procrastinate by doing anything but what matters the most
- Are distracted by everything that helps us forget about taking action
- Get overwhelmed by the big picture and how impossible it all feels
Does any of this sound familiar? What does your inaction look like?
I’d say I’m mostly a productive procrastinator, who gets a kick out of getting stuff done that doesn’t matter. Yes, checkmark!
Why You’re Not Taking Action
If I think back to earlier this afternoon when I wasn’t taking action to write this blog post, the real cause was a lack of confidence for a variety of reasons.
So full disclosure time, let’s take a look at my thought process, as it might resemble your own.
- This is part 3, in a 6-part series, it marks the half-way point. Then, once I make it through this series, it means I’m up against an even bigger challenge, that in all honesty maybe I don’t feel ready for? I’ve never done this before.
- And this is a blog post about taking action, and although I know how to take action, I was nervous about explaining this to you. What if you think I’m full of shit, what if I can’t articulate it properly? What if this article isn’t helpful?
- So, that lack of confidence led me to spend time researching instead of taking action and planning over and over rather than just getting started.
- And all of this compounded my original feelings of inadequacy. Hello, imposter syndrome my old friend. How can I compete with the loads of “how to take action” blog posts out there?
What about you? Why are you not taking action?
Now tell me, why are you REALLY not taking action? Be honest now, I was with you.
It’s okay to be afraid that you can’t deliver, follow-through, or even feel like you’re unworthy of reaching your goal. It’s understandable to feel intimidated by what others will think of you, whether they’ll judge or dismiss you. It’s more than okay, it’s actually completely normal to feel this way.
Even better news for you: no matter the cause or form your inaction takes, you can learn how to take action. Taking action is a habit, and like any good habit, it starts by doing it once, and then again, and again.
Each time becomes easier and less painful to get started. And for me, that means less time wrapped in a blanket with noise-canceling headphones, more time just writing.
How to Learn to Take Action
You need to create your very own get started, take action ritual. You might need headphones and a blanket like I do, but you might not. It’s all about knowing how you focus best.
When you’re focused on the now, you can drown out your thoughts, the distractions, and everything else around you. You can even think about this as a form of meditation if that helps you to focus on the now.
So much of our planning and goal setting is focused on the future, all of this dreaming about tomorrow can lead us to believe that we need all this time for major moves. And the bigger our plans get, the longer we set goals and think about taking action, the harder it gets to actually get started.
This consequently leads us to subconsciously place more space between ourselves and taking action. And we conclude that 5 minutes and the time we have right now couldn’t possibly be enough.
We need to focus on the now, to snap us out of inaction.
- Step 1: Take a few breaths, focus on right now. Tell yourself, “there is power in the now.”
- Step 2: Remember and focus on your intention (or your goal if you have one).
- Step 3: Ask yourself, what tiny intentional action can I take right now towards my goal?
- Step 4: “And action,” say it out loud to yourself if you need to, but take 5 minutes to do that tiny action right now.
- Step 5: Seriously, why are you still reading this? Go do that tiny task right now.
I know you might seem like small actions don’t matter, but they’re all that matters when you can’t start.
“You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.” ― Jim Rohn
It’s a series of tiny choices over time that set your course, and it’s as simple as one decides to take action today. There is power in today, there is potential in now, and your progress begins at this moment.
Easy Ways You Can Take Action Today
I know what you’re thinking, it can’t really be as easy as that. But what about my plans, what about if this or that happens?
*exhale* Seriously, if you catch your mind spiraling back to all the reasons you can’t take the action you need to, just breathe. Close your eyes and focus back on your simple intention. Remind yourself that to be this right now you do not need your plan.
But if you’re like me and want practical examples as to how you can take action today, I got you covered.
Let’s review those intentions vs. goals examples from Part 1 of this series.
#1. To be brave and courageous:
- You could come up with a plan for how you’re going to conquer your greatest fear, maybe even see a psychologist, research it from every angle, read every book on fears…
- OR take intentional action now by doing something that makes you feel brave like asking someone out on a date, or speaking up about something you care about in a Facebook post or on social media.
#2. To put yourself first and practice self-care:
- You could journal about how much you want to spend time on yourself, talk about how much you need it, look up expensive spas you’d need to save for, plan trips and getaways with your girlfriends…
- OR take intentional action now by choosing a meal you want to eat for dinner, go get your nails done, take a time out to meditate, tell your family you need them to help you and how.
#3. To be free from your job or change careers:
- You could spend time researching every possible career option, take tests and meet with a career counselor, you could write a business plan, or even go back to school for something…
- OR take intentional action now by speaking with a supervisor/manager about available positions, work on a hobby you enjoy, go to a networking/career event, send an email to a mentor, ask a friend about job openings.
#4. To be strong or to feel healthy:
- You could join a gym and schedule all the classes you’ll go to in your calendar, buy ten cookbooks, research nutrition, see a nutritionist, hire a trainer, go buy workout clothing you’ll never use…
- OR take intentional action now by choosing a healthier snack, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking to the train station instead of busing it, find a quick workout video on youtube, and just do it.
#5. To be happy and feel successful:
- You could psychoanalyze yourself and dissect your life to find out what’s wrong, you could plan an elaborate trip around the world, could train for a marathon, work hard for a promotion…
- OR take intentional action now by doing something that makes you happy and feels successful now like enjoying time with a friend, treating yourself, doing what you love, accomplish a to-do item on your list, get started on a goal.
You’ll notice that every intentional action idea above requires little to absolutely no planning, they are actions you can just take. If given license to plan and take forever you will.
Forget about the elaborate schemes, for now, look for the first opportunity, in those first five minutes and take it.
Remember the simplest solution is usually the solution you need. Don’t overthink it, don’t overcomplicate it. Just think about it and go do it right away.
All I needed was to be brave enough to write a few words, and all you need to be brave enough for is to take that first step.
What are you brave enough for right now?
What can you do at this moment?
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Last Updated on July 23, 2024
Whymances says
Our brains are crafty at coming up with excuses to ‘wait for a better time’ or ‘not quite yet, i need..’. You’re right on point on the key is coming up with strategies to deal with this and our fears. There’s no magic ‘that was easy’ button.
I was terrified of putting myself out there with writing. I was astounded at all the feels and logic/fear my brain came up with. It eventually became somewhat entertaining to see what else came up. I talk about my emotions and brain as though it’s a separate entity, at times it really felt like it was.
Anyhow, eventually write I did….
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Melissa,
That’s exactly it! It always tells us we’re not ready, oh no not now, maybe later. There really isn’t – oh how I wish it was that simple. But I find that when I do my “take action” ritual I’m usually not so adverse to taking action.
And you’re doing such a great job, really glad you started.
Stephanie says
I love your take action ritual idea. Thanks for the practical tips on taking action! Needed this.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Stephanie,
Thanks so much! You should come up with your own, it really helps!
Scarletpiper says
I like your post!!! Well said!
Nadalie Bardo says
Thanks!
Cheryl @ O the Places We Go says
I totally feel you! Sometimes my inaction to do anything off my never-ending to-do list is that I get distracted, which happens too often when you have 3 young kids. I’ve learned that getting up early before they wake is my “me time” to get things done such as writing. Even when I don’t feel like it, I tell myself to just try (even if the draft sucks) but just to get writing. Somehow that seems to work, and before you know it I’m almost done!
I will definitely need to catch up with the rest of your series. It may be the push I need to get more things done!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Cheryl,
I can only imagine how hard it is to stay focused with your little ones. That’s a great strategy to put some time in while they’re sleeping. And that you find time for writing!
Yes, that’s perfect thinking – just try! Even if it “sucks” you at least have a draft to work with, one big step closer to being done.
Thanks so much, I hope you enjoy it!
Lucy says
I love this! I always get started as soon as I have a new goal so that I get started taking action. Once started it’s so much easier to continue 💗
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Lucy,
That’s fantastic that you jump right on it! We have to – before we can think of all the reasons why we can’t right now. Totally agree with you, it’s easier to continue once you start.
Toni | Dr Toni DDS says
I found this post at the right time! I have been struggling with getting things done after I stopped checking in with an accountability partner. You’re right. Sometimes you need to stop and breath. I used to get annoyed with people when they would tell me to breath. I have learned how powerful breathing is and try to remind myself to watch my breathing. Especially when I am stressed.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Toni,
Glad you found this post found you at the right time. Oh no – you need to check back in with them. I know what it’s like when you’re off your schedule. For some reason, my accountability partner is MIA, trying to not lose focus because of it.
YES! A few deep breaths can make all the difference and it’s good for your health.
Shelley R King says
I am great at setting goals but I do know I lack confidence sometimes and get lazy. I love the thought of setting intentions. My goal was to eat better and exercise. With the way life runs I get tired and put it off until Monday. That is the common thing for me. I really needed this article!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Shelley,
We all get a little lazy sometimes. We need to know how we can fire up our engines again and get going. I’m really bad with exercising goals, but instead of running, why not just go for walks instead? More refreshing, less exhausting.
Sydney Kirkpatrick says
I definitely feel like my lack of confidence is what keeps me from taking action. You have some really good tips here for helping me to get started. It’s funny, because before I read this I was just telling my husband that I wanted to start a photography business (I don’t even own a camera yet) but I’m scared! This was the last little push I needed to truly say I WANT to do this even if I’m afraid!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Sydney,
YESSSS, I love that! Just get started, get the camera, learn some skills, don’t over think it or stay in fear. You can so do this, being a photographer is amazing. Build your confidence one photo at a time.
Censie Sawyer says
I have to tell you, I am loving the motivation and ACTION That so many young people are taking right now. I hope the action continues and I hope that all of the adults get behind “these kids” because man they are going somewhere!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Censie,
If one wants a certain life, we have to take action! I suppose in many ways millennials are the action takers, just not everyone always sees it that way.
Monica Y says
Motivation is so important. I think for my having a friend that is my “buddy” on my projects help me complete them because I do not want to disappoint that person. Sometimes is hard to find that initial push to start working on your goals. Great article
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Monica,
Motivation gets you started, but strategies for taking action keep you going. Motivation always wears off, at least for me it does. Love that you have an accountability buddy, they really do help! I have a few.
Kori Evans says
Oh my gosh I overthink things so much! And I know that is a huge reason I don’t get things done in a timely manner! Thank you so much for this post! It was very motivating!!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Kori,
Overthinking kills action! We’ve gotta think less and move more. Glad you’re feeling the motivation, now get ‘er done!
Beatrice says
My absolute favorite part of this post is where you give examples of what is “taking action” and what isn’t. It’s so tricky because so many of those things that sound pretty productive are actually keeping you from taking action! I love the idea of actually saying “and action”, I’m definitely going to try that 🙂 Thanks for the amazing advice!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey lovely,
Isn’t funny how taking action can be so much simpler than we make it seem in our heads? I know I am so guilty of overthinking and making elaborate plans for something that literally takes me 5 minutes! You’re so welcome, let me know if saying it helps you, I know it helps me.
Shoma says
I am definitely going to be taking more action!
Nadalie Bardo says
That’s what I love to hear! You got this, Shoma!
Nicole says
I could totally see myself in this post – and your tips are going to be great for getting me out of this rut I’m in. Every night when I go to bed I tell myself that things are going to be different in the morning, I’m going to actually work on the things that will move me towards a more fulfilling career – but every day when I write in my journal, I find myself bemoaning the fact that I didn’t work on the really important things. I’m definitely an over thinker! Time to take action – thanks for the tips.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Nicole,
I hope it gives you that push you need to get going. It’s time to go to bed feeling satisfied that you did do everything or at least some of what you said you would. Instead of writing it in your journal, put it away and spend that time doing something about it. Just start with 5 minutes and before you know it you’ll be at 15, then 30… and the rest is your story.
Cass says
Oh my goodness this is great! You’re totally right about actually taking action. Looking forward to the rest of your series – I downloaded your free goal planner today 🙂
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Cass,
Yay! so glad that you got the guide and that you’ll be taking action. Enjoy the #GoalSlayerSeries!
Jennfier says
Great series. I totally agree that we need to be intentional and stay focused. Distractions are so easy to pull us astray.
Nadalie Bardo says
Thanks so much for the blog series love, Jennifer.
Distractions are the enemy, but if we allow ourselves to NOT be distracted and instead focus on the moment right before us. We decide to do something with these 5 minutes or to waste it away.
Maddy says
I think most people want a clear, laid out plan. But you just have to start or you will never make it to your destination! xx
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Maddy,
You’re quite right, we all have plans, either on paper, in a planner or in our minds. BUT even less who have them actually do anything about it. We’ve got to get started!
Brittany says
Not a day goes by that I don’t overthink something that is going on in my life. I try to tell myself to slow down & breathe, but it’s hard sometimes. This is so motivational to me! All of these tips may seem like common sense, but most of us never do them and take that action!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Brittany,
So happy you’re feeling the motivation and ready to do a little less thinking and a lot more action! I know right, there is NOTHING fancy about taking action. I just suppose it’s the actually doing it that’s the challenge.
Brandi Michel | FamilyFelicity.com says
This is such a great post and full of wisdom on why we don’t take the action we know we should, and how to get moving in the right direction.
I’m reading The 5 Second Rule right now and Mel Robbins teaches that we should take action on our thoughts within 5 seconds or else our brains will begin to talk us out of our decision. This is so true!
I love your blog and your inspiring content. By the way, I just linked to your post on Why You Need to Understand Your Fear post in a roundup post on my blog yesterday. Great Post!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Brandi,
So love that you mentioned the 5 second rule, what a great lesson that is. I like to this of the 5 minute rule, just put aside 5 minutes or 5 dollars (if its a financial goal). We don’t have to worry about the entire thing, just the 5 minute/dollar choice right before us. To buy this coffee or save, or to watch 5 minutes of YouTube or to take action.
Our lives are defined by moments of 5.
Thanks so much for including my post in your round up. Much appreciated!
Katie says
I tend to plan, research, and overthink and idea to death before (if ever) taking action. This series is so motivating. I need to remember to take one small step at a time- the research and plan isn’t everything.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Katie,
You are so not alone in this! I find that when I overthink or overplan anything when it comes time to taking action I’m almost already over it and onto the next thing.
But, when I just start I’m more interested in seeing it through and figuring it out as I go.
Akamatra says
We have a saying here in Greece which translates something like this: the start is the half of everything!
Nadalie Bardo says
Love that quote – it really is!
Minakshi Bajpai says
Thank god I came across your post. These days I’m feeling exhausted doing one task only. such motivational and powerful planner definitely is going make me stay motivated.
Nadalie Bardo says
So happy you found this post just at the right time!
nicki says
wow so accurate. I am ALWAYS distracted and overthinking every single action. Its actually preventing me from success some days.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Nicki,
I try to keep it real, even when it’s super painful to admit lol. Distractions are the worst, I go for a whole sensory deprived approach to focusing, noise canceling headphones and all. Give it a try!
fashionandstylepolice says
I love the message here. I need to take charge of my life some more. Thanks for inspiring me.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey there, so glad that you’re feeling inspired! Take action!
Elise Ho says
Awesome message, my friend. We need to stand in our power and then move forward. The only thing that can truly hold us back is ourselves.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Elise,
So glad that you’re enjoying this post too! We are the only ones in our way, you’re quite right. 😉
fashionmommy says
I think actually getting in the zone and getting started is always the hardest part of anything, once you start the rest is usually easy.
Nadalie Bardo says
It really is isn’t it! But I find that once you commit to those first few minutes, you can keep going!
Nadine Richardson says
I’ve been loving this series. This another great breakdown of how to take action. we all get stuck sometimes and this is a good reminder of how to get unstuck. Another great post!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Nadine,
Yay for enjoying the #GoalSlayerSeries!
Cynthia Crosby says
These are super cute planning products you have displayed. I like your advice on taking action on your goals.
Nadalie Bardo says
Awesome, have fun stepping out and taking action on your goals!
Shannon says
fantastic post! I’ve been reading about how to be more proactive as part of my personal development and this was very helpful, thank you! I’ve shared this with my fitness accountability group 🙂
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Shannon,
So glad you enjoyed it! Yes, it’s the take action parts that matter. Sure it’s great to have personal growth, to set goals and all that good stuff, but it’s the changes you implement that really make us.
Thanks for sharing!