3 Simple Steps to Force Yourself into Action

First, admit to yourself that you don't have enough time.

You can't just suddenly change your daily routine. It takes work and dedication, just like any other effort you make. But you can make it easier on yourself by simplifying your schedule.

Here's how:

1. Make a list of the actions you should take to achieve your goal.

Write down ONE thing you want to accomplish the most, but you haven't yet.

Then, make a list of the actions you need to take to achieve the goal. You can try breaking it down into activities to do, habits to develop, skills to learn, or simply set out the major steps you need to take. 

Research the “how” and the “when”

Doing research will help you find a path that fits your life. Go on the internet or get a book on the subject. You may want to start a daily workout routine. Or, you may want to take up a new hobby or skill.

e.g. start a daily workout routine

- Find a simple workout plan online that you can do every day. You can set it up as part of your regular daily routine, as a morning or evening routine.

- Learn all the moves well.

- Find a workout buddy.

- Treat your body with nutrients.

- Commit to following a routine that deviates very little.

- Reduce your work hours to match the new schedule.

- Stick to the routine.

- Track the results of the schedule you set.

- Do it every day!

2. Pick a date to Shift You from Motion to Action.

The second step is to pick a date and a time to shift from motion to action. Most people fail when they try to change too quickly. 

To motivate yourself, you need to keep the goal in mind.  All the little steps you need to take will flow into one big victory. Then, you can write down the date and time when you'll actually achieve it. You can make a big deal out of it.

e.g. By________[DATE], I will make ________________[GOAL] happen.

Setting a date also helps you build a timeline of your goals, which helps you to track progress.

3. Set a Schedule for Your Actions.

To achieve your goal, you'll most likely need to take a lot of steps.  If your goal is to build more muscle, schedule a time for your muscle building workouts. If your goal is to learn an instrument, schedule a time to learn it. If you want to publish a book, schedule a time to write it. 

You can set up a calendar for your actions and stick to it. Are you going to do it every Monday, every morning, or every weekend? And when are you going to do it? Schedule your activities using the weekly planner, or use a planner app for iOS and Android.

It can take some time to plan this. Just take your time and be consistent. In the beginning, it's not so easy to just do things because you know you're supposed to do them. You need to focus and make adjustments along the way.

Putting your goal into action

The first step in shifting your focus from Motion to Action is to establish a clear goal and a specific deadline. Your actions will gradually gain momentum. You will have accomplished your objectives before you know it.

Copyright ©2022 by L. Lewis