Creating what you want: Step 4

Step Four: Take Action!

So, you've shifted your focus to what you want (Step 1), you've really gotten clear on what you'd like more of in your life (Step 2), and you've set some juicy and attainable goals for yourself (Step 3). It's time to for Step 4 - Taking action!

For some people taking action is the easiest part. For others, it is the most challenging. If you find it challenging to take action on your goals, there may be a hidden gem of truth there and uncovering it could save you a lot of time, effort and unhappiness. Do you truly want what you think you want? Or have you taken on someone else's idea of what you should have/do/be? If you've made it this far in the process and realized this goal isn't yours, enlist the support of a coach or therapist to uncover your own truth and treasure.

If you're sure you've got the right goal, but still feel a little challenged to take action, spend some time asking yourself what that might be about. Are you pushing yourself too hard? Is there another way to do/get what you want? What would make this feel like play to you? You may just need a bit of a cheer squad. I encourage you to enlist support from trusted people who will truly encourage you, cheer you on, celebrate your tiniest success as if it were a Superbowl victory, and just share in the excitement that comes with creating something new for yourself. You know which people in your life live for this kind of thing, and which to avoid because they'll tear you down - trust your gut.

While you are being your most authentic self, choose one or more of the tasks on your list from Step 3 and get to work. There are so many ways that you can start taking action - pick a path that resonates for you.

Here are a few ideas just to get you started:

• Eliminate things that will get in the way later.
• Put support in place where you think you'll need it.
• Keep a master list of all the tasks you need to do to reach your main goal.
• Keep a mini-list of just what needs to be done today or this week.
• Only take on one task at a time.
• Choose one task a day or one task a week.
• If three of your tasks involve the same resource or location, and it feels right, do all of them at the same time.
• If a task is too daunting, break it into smaller pieces.
• Ask a friend to help you.
• Invite lots of friends to help you! (People actually really enjoy helping other people - it feels sooo good!)
• If you can afford to, pay someone to help you.
• Trade your skills, knowledge or talents for someone else's skills, knowledge or talent.
• Every so often step back, review your progress, and adjust your goal or tasks to reflect new understandings or how your needs have changed.

Surprise! Step 4 isn't just about Taking Action. It's also about self-care, and who you are Being as you are taking action.

In Step 2 you uncovered the treasure of who you are - what is important to you and makes you thrive. Lets say some of the things you uncovered included Peace, Creativity, Patience, and Community. As you work toward your goals are you being Peace, Creativity, Patience, and Community? How can you infuse those values into your experience of attaining your goals and creating what you want? For example, if you are moving and have a ton of packing to do, you could invite a group of friends to help you pack, aligning your actions (moving) with your values (community).

As you are creating what you want by working toward goals, it is so important to take breaks from Doing. We are Human Beings, not Human Doings. So make sure to take time out to just Be. If it feels appropriate, give yourself permission to stop "working" on your goal for a day or a week. Don't get lost in the task and lose sight of what you are trying to create and why you want to create it!

Now you're ready for Step 5: Open yourself to receiving!