Want Clarity? Take Action
Something I find myself saying often to clients is, you can't think your way to clarity. Clarity requires that you take action. You can distract yourself, procrastinate, or live in denial by playing the “thinking” game. But unless you actually do something, you will still be unsure about what path to take.
The first clue for me that a client is overwhelmed and has no idea how to get started on goals or projects is when they say:
"I need to gain some clarity around this so I'm going to think about it for a while.”
My first thought and question is, for how long exactly? A quick nap to get some insight? Maybe mull it over during lunch? Are you going to sleep on it or daydream your way to clarity?
In my experience, letting something marinate for too long is only good for steak on the grill.
“But I’m so comfortable here in my safe zone.”
It’s not unusual for entrepreneurs to hesitate and feel some resistance when they are jumping into the unknown of a new venture. Achieving big goals can be overwhelming unless you break them down, choose a starting point, and get going. But standing still and not deciding to take action can lead to doubt and insecurity that will keep you stuck.
To make things more challenging, you can’t just take any action, it needs to be intentional and well thought out to make progress. When you have a structured plan, you know what you have to do and when you have to do it in order to move towards your goal.
I know what you’re thinking.
“Wait Kathleen, so not only do I have to come out of my comfort zone and take action, I have to know which one is the right action and why?”
Yes.
The good news is that actions can be small, doable baby steps. When you break goals down into bite size actions, you see progress sooner rather than later.
Objects in motion stay in motion.
Thank you, Isaac Newton. And things that sit in limbo start to wilt like neglected house plants. Even the smallest action puts you ahead of where you were before. It moves the needle forward.
I assure you that once you jump in and start actually doing things to go after your goals, you will see progress almost immediately. Then you’ll say,
“Kathleen, you were right!”
By focusing more on taking action, you’ll think less about waiting for clarity. While you’re busy making things happen, clarity shows up on its own.
When I work with clients to build their Path of Action we:
Clarify the vision. Get familiar with what business success means to you, and what you will have to do to get there.
Prioritize goals. Get clear around the most impactful things you want to work on for your business right now.
Create an executable action plan. Breaking it down into realistic steps eliminates the overwhelm and provides a roadmap to follow.
Implement processes & systems. Leverage your time, enhance your professional image, and create an extraordinary client experience.
Create accountability to execution. Stay focused on your plan by keeping the right things front of mind to achieve your desired results.
If you’re ready to stop thinking about what you want to do and need help figuring out how to take action, my next Path of Action Strategy and Accountability Group starts soon! Schedule a call today to learn more.
P.S. Ready to stop spinning in place and get to the other side of your goals? Here are several ways I can help:
Download my free weekly planning guide - it will help you become more intentional with your time, develop a clear action plan for your week, and ensure that you are focusing on activities that will move your business forward - Download Now
Join our next CEO Power Planning Session and spend two and a half hours ON your business. During this facilitated workshop, you’ll set and prioritize your next 12-week goals, break them down into an executable action plan and create a resource plan - Join the Wait List
Apply for the next Close the Gap Program and stay on track to achieve your most important goals. 1:1 support and guidance on prioritizing goals, creating a plan and putting structure and routines in place. Then 12 weeks of group support around execution - Apply today