I learned about the significance of taking action at a very young age. Being from the wintry wonderland of Minnesota provided ample opportunity for any youngster willing to work.
After a heavy snowfall, we would grab our shovels and go in search of adults discouraged by nature’s actions. We came across a lot of half-shoveled walks and driveways, and people willing to pay us to finish the job.
We were mostly looking for a little extra spending money. Along the way we learned a life lesson that would make the difference between mediocrity and success.
T. Boone Pickens, the highly successful entrepreneur and corporate raider, said in his commencement remarks at George Washington University: “Be willing to make decisions. That’s the most important quality in a good leader. Don’t fall victim to what I call the ‘ready-aim-aim-aim-aim syndrome.’ You must be willing to fire.”
Taking action is the cornerstone of success because without it, ideas, dreams and goals remain dormant. It is one thing to have a vision or a plan, but it is the execution of that plan that turns it into reality. Success is not a spectator sport; it is an active pursuit. It requires not just thought, but also effort, determination and often a bit of courage.
Here is why action matters:
• It transforms ideas into reality. Every great achievement starts with an idea. Without action, ideas are just that — ideas. Action breathes life into them.
• It builds momentum. Once you start taking action, even in small ways, you build momentum that can propel you forward, making it easier to take further steps toward your goals.
