Don’t you just hate conversations when someone you know or an acquaintance blabs on and on about what they want to do. But when you prod a little, you discover they haven’t made any effort or taken any steps that resemble a course of action? Don’t you hate it even more when the person who’s doing the blabbing is you?
We live in a world that gives more credit to people who are doing “big” things. Which, in my opinion, has fostered a generation that are big talkers, rather than big doers.
Courtesy of Dreamstime
Are you stuck in talk mode?
Usually, when someone is stuck in talk mode and they’re constantly explaining what they want to do in life or accomplish, it’s because they simply don’t know where to start. Generally, they just need some affirmation from the person whom they’re talking with; and possibly they are, in a round-a-bout way, trying to solicit feedback or advice before they move forward.
In addition, the talkers could be discouraged as a result of a past failure, and simply need some outside encouragement to get them on their way. After all, if you’ve experienced any type of failure in the past, it can certainly seem like a daunting task to start your own business, reach out to new clients, or apply for your dream job, for example. But it doesn’t have to be.
Today, we’ll discuss three simple steps that’ll help you focus more on the doing rather than the talking.
Step 1. Write it down. I love to write. But I realize not everyone enjoys putting words on paper. But, unfortunately (or fortunately) it’s a must-do in order to achieve your dreams. I don’t know what it is, but there’s power in the written word. Unless it’s burned or deleted, words stick! Write out your ideas, goals, dreams, and intent/purpose. By writing these things –whether on paper or on a computer screen– you are silently committing to achieving your dreams no matter what it takes.
Another idea is to keep a journal. The satisfaction you’ll get from reading something you wrote years and years before you accomplished your dream, is priceless.
Getting your goals, ideas and your vision outside of your head is the first step to breaking free from talk mode.
Step 2. Develop a plan. Now it’s time to be realistic and start setting some tangible steps you can take to reach your potential. This doesn’t mean you have to modify your dreams, or shrink back from what you really want to do. It simply means that it’s time to take a good hard look at what you’re trying to accomplish, and then set some reasonable goals for yourself.
Multi-million dollar, A-list actors didn’t become blockbuster hits overnight. It took some time before they got their one shot — their “big break.” So it is with you, set some practical steps and goals that you can tackle in the present and in the near future. Itty-bitty steps taken, are still steps. Even if your first goal is to write out your goals, then you’ve accomplished something! Let’s celebrate, but keep forging ahead.
Once you’ve completed a step, check it off. You’ll start to see your experience broadening and your network expand. When your “big break” comes knocking, you’ll already be an established force within your industry.
Step 3. Start doing! Once you develop a solid plan and defined some realistic steps. Begin with your first action item and go for it! It’s okay to start small, with hopes of finishing big.
If you work a full-time job, don’t expect that you’ll be able to commit 40 extra hours to your side hustle. Be reasonable when trying to determine what you’ll be able to accomplish within a specific time-frame.
If needed, re-evaluate your plan after a certain number of weeks or months to make sure you’re on track, and/or to determine if your plan needs altering. Don’t consider it failure if you must make changes to your overall action plan. Starting anything new will require some flexibility on your part. Just keep chugging along like the “Little Engine That Could,” and you’ll reach your final destination in no time!
Keep the Discussion Going
Have you been stuck in talk mode recently? Do you feel as if you sound like a broken record? What’s stopping you from moving forward to achieve your dreams? Do you need to take some time and focus on some reasonable action steps?
Maybe you should take a break from discussing your dreams with outside people, and start focusing on what’s inside of you.
