Action Steps
Ready? Set? Go!
“Words may inspire but only action creates changes” says Simon Sinek. So, let’s make some improvements by taking action. Below is this month’s Action Step, and below that are previous steps. All of these are great advice from great people who’ve learned great wisdom.
Action Step This MONTH
BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND – Any successful activity (endeavor, journey, plan, you name it) needs a clear destination. Some people call this a goal. So make that clear — even write it down somewhere — and you’ll be ready to move forward.
Key question: How will you know you have crossed the finish line?
PREVIOUS ACTION STEPS
MAKE A BUDGET – Most of us hate budgets, either making them or keeping them. But success with money starts with a making a budget and keeping it. It’s no fun, but it sets up success. Here’s help from finance guru Dave Ramsey.
Key question: Do you know where your money comes from and where it goes?
CLARIFY YOUR CORE VALUES – Defining what’s important to you will help you save time, reduce anxiety, and keep focus. Consider your values as the foundation of your life. Without clarity here you could end up on detours or have empty success. Take a few minutes to sort these out – even write them down.
Key question: What are the 2 or 3 most important elements of your life?
ADD A CREATIVE ACTIVITY TO YOUR DAY – The American Psychological Association says routine creativity helps your life in many ways, especially problem solving and increased productivity.
Key question: What new hobby, book, class, or approach can you launch today?
GOT CHARTS? – Like a clock, a chart measures your progress. We do it for our kids, our students, and for business success. So why not make a chart for your own activities? Doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. It does need to help you regularly measure of what you did or didn’t do.
Key question: What is the best indicator of your measurable progress?
SCHEDULE PRACTICE TIME – If you want to get better at something, you have to do it regularly (see Outliers by Malcom Gladwell). We all know this from sports, music, theatre, cooking, etc. So, it’s time to put in the time… and you’ll get better sooner.
Key question: What do you want to get better at doing?
TAKE TIME TO PLAY – Playfulness helps relieve stress, improves, brain function, stimulates your mind, boosts creativity, and improves relationships (see more here). Like the song says: “just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down.“
Key question: When’s the last time you took 5 minutes just to have a little fun?