4 tips on how to turn your thoughts into ACTIONS

Choosing to stay stuck in our thoughts is just another excuse we give ourselves to not take action

This may sound harsh, because it is. I get it: We're heading into the second quarter of the year and we may be asking ourselves "Am I taking action and achieving my goals?" We're noticing that our thoughts may not be aligned to what we think we are doing, and not sure why. In retrospect, we may find ourselves in a non-stop loop saying, "I don't even know how to do that, I don't know where to begin so I'm not even gonna try" mindset, which leads to inaction.

I've had executive clients say,

"My boss never listens to me and no matter what I do, it'll never be good enough."

When I hear this, my radar goes off because I know there is a bigger underlying problem taking place here. So, if you're working your a$$ off, for that promotion, to take on more responsibilities, or to take that seat at the board table, then your first step is to acknowledge that doing NOTHING is not OK.

This problem ofter arises when we feel that others put limitations on us, and then we start to believe that maybe they are right, we are not good enough. We start waiting for that acceptance we feel we need from our superiors to move up in our career, and let me tell you,

the only permission you need is from yourself.

A reason you may not be taking any action is because you feel that no one is giving you permission to. Think of it this way: You're looking to climb that corporate ladder, but is anyone going to let you move past go?

When you start to put yourself first, you've then positioned yourself to be in alignment with your values and goals.

This moves you past just thinking about it, to taking action on accomplishing your goals. So this may sound great, but you may be asking yourself, "how do I start?"

Tip 1: Increase your self-awareness

Until you're aligned with your home and work values, it's hard to stand strong in your decisions. When I start working with a new high performing client, the first thing I have them do is an exercise, identifying their non-negotiable core values. This exercise alone has given my clients so many 'aha' moments. When you see your values written out, you can then start to visualize what you want and how to go about getting them. I've learned that if you don't write them out, those thoughts just stay in your head making the overwhelm feel bigger than it really is. An example could be that you are ready to claim that next promotion, you then take inventory to see if it's in alignment with your values. If so, you identify the needed steps to become the perfect choice for the position. Write out everything you need to do or accomplish to get this new role. Keeping writing until you have exhausted all possibilities. You will now have the self-awareness on the steps needed to take action.

Tip 2: Write out what you DON'T want

Have you ever noticed when you are so focused on what you don't want, it is exactly what you end up getting? This is called the Law of Attraction. To help with your focus, it's a great practice to write out what you don't want. This will help you get clear on what you do want so you can move forward creating a strategy plan on what actions are needed to take place.

Tip 3: Pay attention to how your goals resonate with you

By having your wants written out, you can then see the options available to you. Be aware that options are not your decisions, they are just possibilities. What I've done in the past was chase the money, (which meant working 80+ hours a week) but it was in conflict with my values on having quality time with my family and friends (which I was not aware of at that time). I would always be sick to my stomach and didn't know why. When you become in-tune with your emotions, it's easy to identify conflicting emotions that you may have buried just so you can survive. This will help you navigate to what feels right for you and to work through issues you may have been avoiding.

Tip 4: Look for mentors

Start to look in your network for people who can help you with guidance on your goals. Have a list of questions and start collecting data to see what resonates with you. Hiring an executive coach at this time can be beneficial. Having someone on your side that is dedicated to your success can be priceless. For example, you want a promotion that comes along with a $20k raise, you know this will be great for your career, but have no idea on what it takes to get it. This is where people can end up with analysis paralysis, as they are waiting for the "right time" or the "right opportunity" to magically be given to them. They end up doing nothing because they feel that their boss just knows that they are the perfect candidate for the job, and once again lose out on another great opportunity.

Your goals are your goals and no one else's

When you have your list of goals, know that they are not static. You try it out and if it doesn't feel right or it doesn't work out, change it! There are no rules and you get to create and change them as they will be forever evolving. Remember, your goals don't have to get bigger and better each time, they just need to be in alignment with you. Having your options written out will help you with clarity to what you truly desire for yourself.

Saying: I'm stuck, I don't know what I want, or I don't even know how to get started on my goal(s), is no longer an option for you. You now have the tools to move the needle form thoughts to action and adjusting them along the way.

If you're waiting for magic to just happen for you, I'm sorry to say it, but it will never happen unless you are at a magic show. You need to work for what you want and sometimes you have to work really hard, over and over again before you achieve success.

Take control of your choices and STOP letting others make them for you.

Hands down, the best investment you can make this year is to invest in yourself. If you're ready to claim your worth and live the life you've always desired, then hiring an executive business coach can be the best investment you make for your personal and career growth.