“Never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow.” ― Mark Twain
Our electrician, Gene, just left. With this week’s monsoon the circuit breaker tripped indicating faulty wiring somewhere. This particular circuit serves the yard outlet where our pond pump is plugged in.
We have a great Koi pond and the submersed pump circulates the pond water through a biological filter, a 12 foot long gurgling stream dropping over the water fall. All this action keeps the water fresh with oxygen for our Japanese Koi.
With the pump down and the fish at risk, I called Gene.
While he was here, I had a couple of other projects. Some time ago, we remodeled a half-bath and laundry. When I replaced a 3-way switch in the hallway, I crossed the wires.
Then, there is double switch for the ventilator/light in the half bath; once again it wasn’t put back as designed. No hazard, just inconvenient and we lost some of the intended function. Did I mention we “completed” that project in September of 2010?
What’s waiting on you?
To be sure, there was no hazard and minimal inconvenience with my wiring story. But that’s not always the case.
When it matters, here are four steps to help you move into action.
Step 1: Identify it.
What decision, task, or project are you putting off? Name it specifically.
Step 2: Calculate the cost.
How is a lack of action undermining your business or work? How is it affecting your well-being, peace, success; your health – mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or physically? What about your relationships?
List 1-3 possible consequences of continued inaction …
Step 3: Recognize your driver.
Which of the following is having influence on your “I’ll do it, tomorrow” behavior?
- Subjective avoidance – that “uneasy feeling” about a task that leads you to walk away and avoid it
- Indecision – analysis paralysis, perfectionist-pause, anticipation of the “right way” or “what if?”
- Stress belief – that often deceptive idea that somehow “I do my best work under pressure”.
Step 4: Desire and reward.
How could you increase your desire to take action? What reward will you give yourself once “it is finished”?
What are you “putting up with” because, for one reason or another, you are not taking action to move forward?
My light switch seems pretty silly, now. A phone call and it is done.
What are you putting up with? What will it take to take get it done?
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