In my last article, I noted that a person’s success is only a decision away and that success seems to be connected with taking action. While many have agreed with the points in the post, the stark reality is that only a very SMALL few will actually apply what they have read. Thus, as made popular by the athletic giant, Nike, I am hereby challenging you to “JUST DO IT”. Application of valuable knowledge is a key factor in achieving your goals and desires.

Most people fail because they refuse to act upon the valuable and positive information they receive. Oh, they talk a good game, and they know everything. However, they never put anything into action. What these people do not realize is that knowing, and not doing, is synonymous with not knowing. To know and not do, is not to know.

I am pretty sure you know the type (or maybe YOU are the type)…the ones who are always going to do something, but months later, even years, they have not done a thing. Instead they are excellent at providing a myriad of excuses. I call this the Reason or Results principle.

REASONS or RESULTS

Let me be absolutely clear. You can either provide reasons or you can achieve results. You CANNOT have both. It is said that a person who have many reasons (also known as excuses) never produces results. Alternately, those who achieve results, do not need reasons. This is an extremely PROFOUND and POWERFUL statement. Simply put, this means that if you allow excuses to take hold of you, then you will not attain any of your desired goals. Success will EVADE you! So it is in your best interest to create a “Habit of Doing and Completing”. In other words, JUST DO IT!

Anything you choose to focus on that prevents you from taking action in your life, whether it be your children, your ‘situation” or your job, is an excuse. You may be frustrated or even sick and tired of the way things are going in your life. If this is the case, you, my friend, are not yet at a place where you are ready to take adequate action. From my experience, only those who are “sick and tired of being sick and tired” readily do something to better themselves.

So the question is, which one are you…….a person with REASONS or one who focuses on achieving RESULTS?

Here come the CYNICS

I just love this group. These individuals pass judgement on the information or opportunity they are given and reject it. They are programmed to believe that everyone is out to get them. Information can serve you ONLY if you use and apply it. Reading and passing judgement, either one way or another, will NOT benefit you.

There are far worse things for this group of people to be cynical about, such as the pension plan at their places of employment. However, a vast majority trust their employers or the government who promise to take care of them in their golden years. Here is the thing; if your employer or the government really cared about you, they would have ensured that you are not overworked nor over-taxed. Instead, you are programmed by the ruling class to go about your daily lives like lambs to be slaughtered.

Cynics never act because they are too busy being critical and judgemental about everything that is placed before them.  They confuse their own PERCEPTION of information to be facts.

The PROCRASTINATORS are late

Are you surprised that this is the most frustrating group of the bunch? Here lies the problem with these individuals. They are usually not very cynical nor do they provide excuses for not taking action. They are usually eager for knowledge and opportunities. However, they sit around and watch to see what others are doing before they make a move on their own. These are the people who are well equipped with all the information about a product or service, but will not take action until they see what everyone else is doing.

Eventually, when Procrastinators get around to acting, other people, hereby called VISIONARIES, have grabbed the opportunity with both hands and are now reaping the rewards. As for the Procrastinators, they are left fighting for the scraps on the table. By the time, they get into the game, the buzzer has sounded. Then they comfort themselves by uttering the following, “Things were not meant to be”.

Procrastinators can learn a thing or two from squirrels. When collecting nuts, these particular creatures do not look around to see what other squirrels are doing. Instead, they just gather all the nuts they need. They focus on ensuring they have what they desire. In other words, they JUST DO IT. Even squirrels know that procrastination is a thief of time and opportunities. Do not be influenced by others when it comes to taking action. JUST DO IT!

Your NEXT Step

By the way, in case you are wondering, all three groups of people described above possess what is known as low “teachability index”. This concept will be explained in more details in a future blog.

So what is the next step for you? Make a commitment to take action in your life. No matter how small the action…….take it. This will ensure you get closer to your desired goals and increase your confidence in the process. Simply because you JUST DID IT!!

D. Brent Tuitt