Motivation is a great tool and is necessary for everyday life, but it is useless unless followed by action. It is action which causes transformation.
Motivation without action soon disappears and is forgotten or becomes only a memory. We have all been motivated and encouraged by a great speech or sermon and left the auditorium with good intentions. It is a matter of record that only a small percentage who heard the message, intentionally recall what they heard, and even fewer are moved to action.
I like taking notes, whether I am meeting one on one or attending a conference. There is a twofold purpose to this. Firstly, writing what I hear penetrates my memory better than hearing alone, and secondly, there is a better chance that I will revisit the statements I wrote which I felt were important.

So, what moves us from motivation to action?
1. The desire to improve the current situation and move beyond average.
2. Realising that we can improve our situation.
3. Understanding that unless we act there is no chance of improvement.

And, what stops us from taking action?
1. Fear of failure, change, rejection, disappointment.
2. Self-doubt.

3. Lack of courage.
4. Advancing years (age).

The old cliché rightly states that we have only one life; that life is not a rehearsal; therefore, live it!
But the reality is that most people don’t make a serious and intentional decision to make the most of their lives. They drift through life, accidently bumping into milestones which are successes or failures, without understanding how or why they got there, what they could have changed, or where else they could be.

I would like to debunk some myths, motivate you into purposeful action, and move you towards a better future. So, let’s start.
Have you ever thought that your life could be different from what it is, and that you can change its direction? Think about the following statement by Carl Bard:
“Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start,
Anyone can start from now and make a new ending.”
There are many things in life over which we have no control, like tragedies, disease and accidents. The ‘Serenity Prayer’ which is recited at programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, says:
“God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.”
So, let’s at least make full use of the things over which we have some control, to make a better future for ourselves, our families, and our communities. The direct benefit of taking the action which we know we need to take is the immediate feeling of wellbeing and the realisation that more is possible. Don’t just accept your life, lead it! Don’t learn only from the school of hard knocks. Be intentional. Have an action plan.

The first step to action is analysing what it is that is holding you back. Most probably it is fear of something. Fear is real but it is the gap between you and success. Everyone has fears, but everyone also has a measure of courage. Maybe the last time you consciously tapped into your courage tank and attempted something out of the ordinary, it did not turn out as you planned or was a flop. Has that stopped you from trying again? When you know there is something you should do, how long will you wait to start? We all face problems. We would all like to wait for the perfect moment, when all the elements seem ready, when the stars are all lined up. This is unrealistic. That moment will never come. When is the right time for that difficult phone call or conversation? When is the right time to face your own reality and stop living in denial? When will you take that first step towards your potential?

Transformation is not a destination, but a process. In my life, I spent many years in the doldrums because I was too focussed on the destination. I did not understand that the process is in fact the destination, or at least a large part of it. The process to transformation requires personal growth, and personal growth always involves change and a level of discomfort. I used to say that I will not change just for the sake of change. This is a rational thought, but I suspect that at the root of this resistance to change were many fears. I did not properly weigh up the advantages of the discomfort of growth compared to the regrets of stagnation.

The other reason I mentioned for inactivity is advancing years. I am including this because I have earned the right. I could be saying: “It’s too late now.” “I’m too old to change.” “It won’t make a difference.” “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” These are excuses. It’s never too late for improvement. My irrefutable conclusion is that there is always enough time left to make the move towards transformation.
Are you so satisfied with who you are that you are happy to stagnate? I can speak to you, explain what’s possible, fire you up and motivate you, but I cannot act for you. I have also learned that whatever my background and circumstances I remain responsible for who I become. You were born for a specific purpose, with specific gifts and talents which you alone were given. Remember that these were given to you not for your own exclusive use. They were always meant to be developed and used for the greater good.

One of my mentors, the late Alan Chazen, who introduced me to a goal-setting program, stated that we do things for only two reasons: To avoid a loss, or to gain a benefit.
So, which will you choose? Stagnation or transformation. Comfort now and pay later, or discomfort now and benefit later. I have learned to enjoy the ‘discomfort’ to the point of looking forward to it…and its benefits.

Allow yourself to be transformed by joining our Mastermind program based on the 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John Maxwell. Read more on www.acceleratedgrowth.co.za

Act now. It’s not too late to make a difference and reap the rewards.