A message from Sandy—Top people in every profession share one quality—they get things done.Despite the simplicity of  this concept, there seems to be a shortage of people who excel at getting results. Taking an idea and implementing it. The habit of putting your ideas into action now, is essential to getting things done. Consider the following:

Are you waiting for conditions to be perfect?  If you are, you will probably never start. There will always be something that isn’t quite right. In the real world there is no perfect time to start. You have to take action and deal with things as they come up. The best time to start is right now.

Are you a doer?  If you are, you have already discovered how important it is to do, rather than think about doing.The longer an idea sits in your head without being acted on, the weaker it becomes. After a few days the details become hazy and you lose your enthusiasm, after a week you have completely forgotten about it. Doing stimulates new ideas. Do you have a great idea? What are you waiting for ? Do it today.

Ideas alone don’t bring success. Ideas are important, but they are only valuable after they have been implemented. One average idea that has been implemented is more valuable that dozens of brilliant ideas that you’re saving for “someday.” Unless you take action, your idea will never go anywhere.

Action is the best cure for fear. The most difficult time to take action is the first time, once you get started the fear disappears. As things progress, your confidence will build and things will become easier.

Start your creative engines. If you wait for inspiration to slap you in the face to start doing, it could be a very long wait. Instead of waiting, start your creative motor yourself. Force your self to sit down and start, brainstorm, doodle, write with your opposite hand, do jumping jacks, anything that gets the flow of ideas started.

Focus on being present.  Focus on what you can do right now, don’t worry about what you should have done last week, or what you might do tomorrow. The only time you can affect it now, by speculating too much on the past or the future you won’t get much done. Tomorrow or next week frequently turns into never.

Get down to business.  Stop stalling. How long does it take you to settle down and get to work? Distractions will cost you serious time, by bypassing them you will be more productive. It takes courage to take action without instruction from someone else. That may be why initiative is such a rare quality. Seize your initiative. When you have a great idea, start implementing it right away.

What ideas do you have to get yourself into the action habit?