Zig Ziglar famously said, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” In the 40-plus years I have been around small businesses, from the time I was around my dad’s accounting firm as a kid up until now, when I get to support small business owners through Our Success Group, ACTION or lack thereof has always been the common thread in success or failure. And I put ACTION in all caps on purpose, because I am referring to real action – not just thinking or consuming but doing things outside of your comfort zone.
The 85% of small businesses who don’t reach their idea of success think that osmosis, luck, or consuming information is going to get them there. But those thoughts are just building excuses to stay in their comfort zone. Then they do busy work and call it action, but that is stasis.
According to Merriam-Webster.com, stasis is defined as “a state or period of stability during which little or no evolutionary change in a lineage occurs.” Stasis is not a bad thing. Being calm and stable and spending some time there is valuable. It’s a time when we can better look for feedback, measure, and evaluate, with no evolutionary change.
But growth requires evolutionary change and too much stasis holds us back from that growth. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome is the definition of insanity. Building momentum and utilizing the momentum from the actions you have taken is a key to success. So how can you get into action?
An old Chinese proverb attributed to Lao Tzu says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” That first step you take into action is always the most challenging, though, because you have to put the excuses behind you and be willing to take 100 percent responsibility for your own success. It’s hard to move beyond your comfort zone, especially when you’re stepping into unknown territory and aren’t 100 percent certain of what lies ahead.
As a business owner or a success-minded person, it’s only through taking intentional action that you will ever be able to grow. The results of taking action are always worth it, and, as I will share shortly, we must embrace the results that some might consider a failure.
The other thing I have learned is that momentum is key. At first, it is going to seem like a herculean effort is required to take those first steps; but, with the following nine tips, you can build up momentum.
It will soon feel like a ball rolling downhill nearly on its own. As long as you keep taking daily intentional action, that momentum will continue to carry you until it seems almost effortless. The challenges that seemed so far out of your comfort zone will soon look like specks of dust in your rearview mirror as you enjoy your expanded comfort zone and the fruits of your actions.
Here are some tips you can utilize to get out of your comfort zone and into action:
- Clarify your reason – Your reason for taking action is what will keep you going when things get tough. Make sure you have a clear reason for why you want to achieve your goal. It is also important to really go back to the start and clarify why you are doing this to begin with. Are you fulfilling someone else’s idea of success, or is this really what you are meant to do?
- Become a goal getter – Set a goal that aligns with your purpose. One of the biggest reasons people fail to take action is that they don’t have a clear idea of what they want to achieve. Setting a goal that aligns with your purpose can help you focus your efforts and give you a sense of direction.
- Take intentional action – Yes, taking those first steps might seem scary. The key here is to take action intentionally. Don’t just do something because you feel like you have to. What is the big picture telling you? Think about the action you’re taking, and make sure it’s aligned with your goals.
- Chunk it down – And I mean really chunk it down. Break your goal down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This will make it easier for you to take action and stay motivated. You don’t have to know all the actions to achieve a goal, just the very first one.
- Trust your instincts – Sometimes, taking the first step requires a leap of faith. You may not have all the answers or know what lies ahead, but you can trust your instincts and have faith that things will work out in the end. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. F.E.A.R. is just an acronym for Fantasized Experience Appearing Real.
- Go slow and steady – Momentum is a key to success, and taking any action each day is better than taking no action at all. Slow and steady progress is still progress, and it’s important to keep the ball rolling even if it’s moving at a snail’s pace. Leave excuses, complaining, and commiserating to others. Trust me, there are plenty of people to carry that torch for you – just look around. You should focus on taking intentional action every day.
- Embrace failure – Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of trying. As the saying goes, “F.A.I.L. can also stand for First Attempt in Learning.” Learn from your mistakes and keep pushing forward. You’ll gain confidence and resilience with each obstacle you overcome.
- Celebrate – Don’t forget to celebrate your victories, no matter how small they may be. Every step toward your goal deserves recognition and praise. Celebrating your progress not only boosts your morale but also reinforces the habit of taking action.
- Be accountable – Accountability is crucial to staying on track and achieving your goals. Find someone to hold you accountable, whether it’s a friend, family member, or peer. Or consider joining a Mastermind group. Of all the people I get to work with at Our Success Group, none of them achieve success as fast as those in our Mastermind program: Masters of Success. You could also consider hiring a mentor or coach to guide you through the process one on one. Having someone to answer to can provide the extra motivation and support you need to keep taking action.
I invite you to take stock of your actions. Really look at them without judgment and determine which actions are getting you closer to your goals and which actions are just keeping you in stasis. What new intentional actions will you start taking? Do you have a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, and the ability to push through fear and doubt? With each step you take, you’ll build momentum, gain confidence, and inch closer toward your goals. So, what’s the first action you’re going to take today?
