All the insights and inspirations in the world mean nothing if you don’t take Authentic Action. What do I mean by “Authentic” Action? That’s the key.
Authentic means that the action we take is consistent with our purpose, how we want to be known. It increases our sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
My coaching sessions are not complete until the client sees an action that they can take within the next few weeks that will get them closer to a personal or professional goal. They all will profess to the immense value in seeing the most authentic action to take and being willing to promise to take it.
Action that is not authentic has the noisy quality of many flies buzzing around on a hot summer’s night. There’s lots of movement and noise but no direction. At the end of the day you just feel “spent” rather than fulfilled.
The good news is Authentic Action is usually simple, small and obvious once we are able to notice it.
There are two types of Authentic Action.
Type 1 Authentic Action is action that is aimed at clearing unfinished business, whether personal, professional, or spiritual. Another way I like to put it is “cleaning up sludge!”
Examples include, but not limited to:
- Making payments toward credit card debt
- Organizing your office or garage
- Making amends for a rude remark to a co-worker or friend
None of these are fun but doing them provides relief and releases energy that can be then be focused upon a meaningful goal.
When taking Type 2 Authentic Action you focus all your energy on a specific goal or dream. Consequently, you get closer to it. The result is a sense of joy at the accomplishment, a feeling of being in tune with your purpose. Examples include:
- Hiring a personal trainer
- Opening a vacation savings account with $200
- Conducting 2 informational interviews for a job search in the next 2 weeks.
Do you see where this type of Authentic Action, although it may not consume a great deal of time or energy, moves you closer to a personal or professional goal?
So here’s my quick tip – at the end of each day spend a few minutes reviewing what you did that day. Look for Type 1 – cleaning up sludge, or Type 2- moving toward a specific goal. THAT’S Authentic Action! Then allow yourself to feel the satisfaction and fulfillment it brings.
For more quick tips like this one check out my best-selling book on Amazon, You’re Busy. I Get It. Quick Tips to Accomplish More with Less Stress.
And remember,
Whatever Your Goal or Dream – WE Can Make it Happen!
