Choose Action Instead of Fear to Achieve Success

It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and change that surrounds you and become anxious, frustrated, overwhelmed, and downright scared. There is so much change right now.

But, here’s the thing, you can choose what you focus on.

You can choose to focus on the fact that business is down, many places are closing or downsizing, automation is replacing people, and many jobs are moving overseas. There are stories of people losing their jobs and their homes. Some people who are not really impacted by the current wave of events are also stressed and negative. It is as if they enjoy the drama, or they feel guilty because they are in a better position than others. If this is what you focus on, then you can expect an increase in fear and stress. In fact, many people are choosing this path as evidenced by the increase in visits to therapists and psychologists as they try to manage their anxiety and overwhelm.

Then there are other people who choose to face our current reality and do what needs to be done in spite of it. In fact, many people are taking this opportunity to sharpen their skills, cultivate their talents, and work on their personal development. Coaching has also experienced a rise in clientele during these turbulent times.

These are people who want to take goal-directed action and stay on top of their game rather than succumbing to their fears.

Yes, they have fears too. It’s just that some people choose to face their fears while others allow themselves to be besieged by them.

This is where your power is. This is where you can gain control. You can choose which path you want to go.

You can decide to let the fears and anxiety overwhelm you OR choose to act in spite of what’s going on around you and focus on what you can do to help yourself.

When business is good, you’re busy making money. So busy that you tend to put off or neglect certain things including your workouts, sales training, personal development, and organizing your office to name a few. Now is the time to invest in the re-tooling process, learn new skills, and enhance your abilities through professional and personal training and coaching. Now is a great time to build morale and be ready when the tide shifts and the economy is on the rise and back in full swing. And IT will swing back; it’s just a question of when.

So take some time to think about what you want or need to learn. Envision success at its best for you. What skills do you need to develop to be prepared for that success when it arrives? Is it better communication, less fear, more organized, better at collaborating, building a network, improved ability to market yourself or to sell? What skills are you missing or lacking that you could develop now while you have the time?

What are the qualities and characteristics you will need in order to achieve that success? What has been holding you back from achieving greater success? Do you procrastinate or lack confidence? Do you have difficulty delegating or working well with others? Are you too judgmental or have a need to be right? These barriers to success will continue to plague you regardless of the economy. Spending effort to eliminate and overcome these bad habits will be well worth your effort.

By creating a plan of action for personal and professional development and working that plan, you prepare yourself for the success that awaits you when the economy swings around.

You will be prepared while others are trying to catch up. You’ll also be focused on what you can do rather than stressing over what is completely out of your control.

Today, choose action over anxiety and fear.

Success will not wait. If I delay she will become betrothed to another and lost to me forever. This is the time. This is the place. I will act now.

~ Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman in the World

Your partner for success,

Julie