Stop Talking, Start Acting

I am tired of listening and talking about what is wrong with the workplace, the community, the country, the environment, education, etc., etc. etc. I have decided it is time to act. If there is something I think should be changed, I consider what I can do to start that change. Then I do it. If I am not willing to contribute to the solution, then I stop complaining about the problem.

If you share my frustration and are ready to take action, the place to start is to identify other like-minded individuals. Approach them about collaborating on addressing mutual concerns. Share ideas, resources, and connections. Decide on what actions you each will take individually and jointly. Schedule times to follow up with each other to provide support and accountability.

When deciding how to contribute to changing the situation you are addressing, focus your actions on what you have control and influence over. Small actions can have large results. Your initiative may ignite others to take action. As you identify interested people, recruit them into your group of collaborators.

Each of us is more powerful than we imagine. By exhibiting our own commitment to a cause, we give others the courage to come forward. By then uniting our energies and expertise, we have the start of a movement.

It would behoove us to keep in mind the words of John F. Kennedy: “There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.” Stop talking, start acting. Lead now!