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Not Sure What Actions to Take
Do you ever find yourself in a quandary over which actions to take or what to do next? Do you get yourself into an agitated state because you have too many options? Do you find yourself sinking into confusion - not sure which choices to make? Does it seem that you need to do it all right now - that none of the things to be done can be done later?
Do you feel like throwing up your hands in frustration and giving up on everything - simply because you can't figure out which actions to take? Do you find yourself trying to "do it all" NOW, because you cannot decide what to do first? Do you sometimes encounter unintended consequences because you can't decide? Here are some ideas to help you clarify your best actions to take.
1.) Start by making a list of everything you believe you "have to do". Take the time to write down everything. This will do several things for you. When the thoughts are only in your head, your anxiety that you might forget something increases. When it's listed on paper, you will feel more confident that you're on top of things.
2.) Now take your list and create three columns. "Do First", "Do Later", and "Do at All?". If you have any questions about which column an action belongs in, "upgrade" it one column. Use these criteria to decide which column. What potential consequences are attached to the action? Do I really want to do this or do I think I SHOULD do it? Do I need to do this now or am I just "feeling guilty"? Is this my priority or is it someone else's priority? Is this something I'm interested in learning but it actually has no relevance to my current life?
3.) The most important thing to look at is consequences. Anything with intolerable consequences should be at the top of your "Do First" column. These are the items that create the most stress. Sometimes they are the items we most dread and procrastinate about the most. When that is true, they take up inordinate amounts of energy simply in procrastination.
4.) Once you have your list organized, go back and apply the 80/20 rule. This rule states that 20% of our activity gives us 80% of our results. Which 20% of your "Do First" column will give you the greatest results? Are any of these items things that will increase your income or decrease your expenses? Those tend to be your best choices to go in your 20%.
5.) Now, take your list and number each columns' contents 1,2,3, etc., with 1 being your #1 item. Go back and review the entire list and tweak your numbering. Each of the three columns will have a listing from #1 to your highest number.
6.) If you are a procrastinator, you will now find that the confusion about what to do is gone. Likely that was your excuse to procrastinate. You may find that fear comes up if you have no "cover" for procrastination. If this happens to you, perhaps that fear was the reason for the procrastination all along (and was disguised as confusion over what to do).
If you find yourself facing fear (and it's possible), how can you approach it to conquer your fear? Would you really be OK allowing fear to control you? Do you want your life limited by fear? Most fear evaporates or shrinks when we simply take action. Fear is usually about stories we make up about horrible potential consequences, such as being rejected, feeling embarrassed, feeling "stupid", losing face, getting an answer contrary to our hopes. We humans have a shopping list of fearful potential scenarios. See if you can encourage yourself to take action in spite of your fear. When you do, elation is the reward. You've chosen not to be limited by fear!
7.) Take action. Start with the #1 item in your "Do First" column. Don't complicate things or give in to your negative self talk. Just take action. If it helps, decide that you will start at X time or a certain day - then just do it. The first action may be fraught with all sorts of fears, issues, and concerns - but take action anyway!
8.) Persistence will be your most important ally. Do not give up, no matter what - especially on your #1 item. Once you have created order on your list, persistence is your most critical virtue, and the deciding factor on whether or not you will create the life you desire. Without it, you will give up way too early in the game to have the results you desire. Persistence is the hallmark of every winner in life. Just keep going. Just keep taking action. Don't be thrown by setbacks. Keep going in spite of fear or discouragements. That is the key.
9.) Hopefully you soon accomplish the #1 item on your list. Just keep working your way through the list - with primary focus on the "Do First" column. As new things come, up add them to the list and number them. Concentrate most of your activity on the "Do First" column. If you have a bit of free time here and there, it's OK to do items from the other two columns. Never do this INSTEAD of a "Do First" column - that is a form of procrastinating - unless there are consequences you don't want to tolerate. Just remain conscious of your motivations.
With the system in place, there is no reason to ever again be confused about what actions to take. You can be in control of what to do next - and choose the most important, gratifying and profitable choices.
About the Author Suzi Elton is a success coach working with highly creative types to create income that matches their talent.She has coached hundreds of clients to approach their goals strategically through tiny steps to bring about quantum leaps. Get free Life Purpose exercises, at http://mylifepurposecoaching.com.
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