Knowledge fueled by emotion equals action. Action is the ingredient that ensures results. Only action can cause reaction. Further, only positive action can cause positive reaction.
Action. The whole world loves to watch those who make things happen – happen. This is why so many of us are fascinated by the Olympics. We love seeing the athletes performing feats that boggle the imagination. Countless people tell themselves that they are going to be a millionaire, are going to retire at 40, and will do x/y/z before they die, yet only a small percentage of the world actually achieves their goals. Why?
With the “perception” of the economy down in the dumps, I’m seeing more and more people using affirmations. There’s nothing wrong with “positive thinking;” however, what I’ve been seeing is people doing nothing more than telling themselves they are a success and not following through on becoming a success. The saying, “Faith without action serves no useful purpose” comes to mind.
I have nothing against affirmations as a tool to create action. Repeated to reinforce a disciplined plan, affirmations can help create wonderful results; however, there is a very thin line between faith and folly. You see – affirmations without action can be the beginnings of self-denial. And for your well-being there is little worse than self-delusion.
The man who dreams of wealth and yet walks daily toward certain financial disaster and the woman who wishes for happiness and yet thinks thoughts and commits acts that lead her toward certain despair are both victims of the false hope which affirmations without action can manufacture. Why? Because words soothe and, like a narcotic, they lull us into a state of complacency. Remember this: TO MAKE PROGRESS YOU MUST ACTUALLY GET STARTED!
The key is to take a step today. Whatever the project, start TODAY. Start clearing out a drawer of your newly organized desk … today. Start setting your first goal… today. Start listening to motivational cassettes … today. Start a sensible weight-reduction plan … today. Start calling on one tough customer a day … today. Start putting money in your new “investment for fortune” account … today. Write a long-overdue letter … today. ANYONE CAN! Even an uninspired person can start reading inspiring books.
Get some momentum going on your new commitment for the good life. See how many activities you can pile on your new commitment to the better life. Go all out! Break away from the downward pull of gravity. Start your thrusters going. Prove to yourself that the waiting is over and the hoping is past — that faith and action have now taken charge.
It’s a new day, a new beginning for your new life. With discipline you will be amazed at how much progress you’ll be able to make. What have you got to lose except the guilt and fear of the past?
Now, I offer you this challenge: See how many things you can start and continue in this — the first day of your new beginning.