Take a close look at anyone you view as successful. Far beyond their age, gender, ethnicity, professional/academic experience, or accomplishments, the common ground they all share – being action-oriented. Whether as an individual or as part of a team, action-oriented leaders plan, execute, measure, and continuously improve. Their passion for bringing “big ideas” to life inspires their actions, which yield tangible results.
The Impact of In-action: Doing nothing is essentially accepting the status quo. For some, it feels comfortable, even safe. However, if the goal is to achieve meaningful change, on any scale, it’s impossible without taking “action”. Economists use the term “opportunity cost”, to quantify the value you could create if you didn’t choose to do nothing.
Harry Truman’s words are timeless. Have any doubt? Consider the plight of the US auto industry, where the Cost of Inaction (COI) for not becoming more technology/software driven is at least $15B. That’s the difference between the market cap of Uber and Ford, GM, and Chrysler combined. The COI for Blockbuster, Timex, Kodak, Sears, and Toys R Us was far more painful: bankruptcy and extinction. *
* “Cost of Inaction: A Powerful New Catalyst for Change”, Don Neal, Forbes, 1/3/19
The Relationship Between “Big Ideas” and “Action”: Jack Canfield wrote a book called “The Success Principles”. It’s extremely germane here, as Jack makes a powerful observation about all people, “The life you are currently living is the result of the thoughts you have thought, the choices you have made, and the actions you have taken in the past.” Jack goes on to say that, “To achieve desired outcomes, one must replace complaining with making requests and taking action.” These powerful words make the point perfectly – “action” is just as important as a great “big idea”.
Take Inspired Action: The only fear that should motivate us is that of inaction. Where will you be years from now if you consciously choose not to take action? Will you be happy, will you be making a difference, will you be building wealth, will you be fulfilled? The answers to these questions are more likely to be “yes” if you’re taking inspired action based on thoughtful decision-making.
