Every decision in life has its own consequences. Every action we take or avoid taking brings its own challenges and struggles. If you deem procrastinating has no consequences, you are mistaken. The best step to achieving your goals is to take action, no matter how small, to make them come true.

Paralysis by analysis

American business magnate, billionaire, philanthropist and former US presidential candidate Ross Perot once said,

“If you see a snake, kill it. Don’t appoint a committee on snakes.”

I am not for killing snakes, but I trust Perot was using this example to warn us about the excuses we use to procrastinate making decisions. We delay choosing sometimes with a feigned desire for information when we already perceive what we need to do.

To have information is a good thing, but using the need for data to avoid the task at hand can make matters worse and ultimately become the problem.

Many of us rely on procrastinating action. I have avoided starting or completing a task, even when I know there are negative consequences for my lack of action. This was true in romantic relationships where I purposely avoided confronting my partner with troublesome issues. This may have kept the peace for a while, but my lack of action created a wider distance between hers and my hearts.

Planning and implementing

Action without direction is just as damaging as procrastination. I know friends who occupy their time with inane activity. Their lives are so scheduled, they have no time for reflection, nor can they measure any progress towards their goals. Where this differs from procrastinating is that frantic action is not only useless, it will zap the energy you need to work on the things that truly matter to you.

To make progress, you need to know your destination. One cannot lose fifty pounds if you cannot define how you will lose one pound at a time. Therefore, making a detail plan is important. Not only should it project your goal, it must also give you steps on what to do daily.

Having this kind of target gives your actions intention. Even the smallest action, like setting what time you will get up to exercise every morning, helps you toward your goals. Action taken with intention sends the Universe the message you are serious about reaching your goals. Your intended actions encourage the Universe to conspire with you.

Conclusion

Your time for action is now, delay can gain nothing. Inaction causes damaging consequences that may make your situation worse. You do not have to rearrange your entire life to create what you want; you just need to focus your intention and take action. Even the smallest intended action propels you on the way to your dreams. Get up to bat and take a swing or you will never get a hit.

Photo by Oksana Taran on Unsplash