Action: The Key Driver of Success

Greetings!

Take a close look at anyone you view as successful. Beyond their age, gender, ethnicity, professional or academic experience, or accomplishments, a common ground they all share is 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 yields tangible results.

The Impact of Inaction

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 creation you lose if you choose to do nothing.

Consider the plight of the US auto industry where the Cost of Inaction (COI) for not adapting to modern technology and consumer trends is at least $15 billion. That’s the difference between the market cap of Uber compared to Ford, GM, and Chrysler combined. The COI for Blockbuster, Timex, Kodak, Sears, Toys R Us was far more painful: bankruptcy and extinction. These examples of corporate inaction were highlighted in the Forbes article linked below.

The Relationship Between Big Ideas and Action

Jack Canfield wrote a book called The Success Principles. It’s extremely relevant 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 big idea. For most, the key is creating habits that are action-oriented.

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.

If you get overwhelmed thinking about acting on your larger goals, simply think about how you can align your short term behaviors with your long term goals, and take a small action toward those goals everyday. The compound effect will astound you.

Have a great month of taking action!

David Busker