The decisions we make day in and day out undoubtedly produce a variety of different outcomes. This decision can produce A, B, and C and that decision can produce X, Y, or Z.

For example: This Big Mac is going to taste AMAZING. Outcome: Your stomach turns into Mount St. Helens.

The ripple affects can go on and on. At the time of the core decision however, it really only comes down to two things. Do I choose A or B? Do I take this road or that road? Do I act or let it go?

The decision making process should be simple right? Choose fruit. Get your sleep. Ask the girl out. We get too focused on the ripple affects and consequences that come with them. We all get caught up in our mind overthinking. We get worried about “what if this happens” or “what if this doesn’t work out?” I let my own mind cloud the decisions themselves and in turn they become physically and mentally exhausting. Those battles with my mind continue to ensue there’s no denying it, but earlier this spring I forcefully began to battle back. By simplifying these decisions and reshaping my frame of mind I slowly but surely began to clear my space and live in more clarity.

I was listening to a podcast recently and the individual being interviewed was a best selling author whose work is focused on simplicity, engagement, and taking action. About half way through he mentioned something that really stuck with me. He said “The worst thing to live in is inaction”. He explained what this meant to him, and I couldn’t help but notice how relatable it was to my own life. I wanted to dig deeper.

Action: Something done so as to accomplish a purpose; A way of motion or functioning.

Inaction: Want of action or activity; forbearance from labor; idleness; rest; inertness.

Read those again. Action is something that is done to accomplish a purpose. Inaction is the want of action or activity, or the thought of wanting something.

This happens to us DAILY in more ways than one. Sure we can think about a juicy 12 ounce Sirloin, or want it delivered to our couch, or we could just grill one ourselves (I talk about food a lot). I’m looking to reference more than just our food cravings or what movie we want to watch tonight.

Here’s the thing: It’s important to have dreams. It’s important to have goals. They open our mind up to possibilities and desires and give us something to work for. The difference between dreamers and doers, between action and inaction, is those willing to do something about it. It’s the difference between wanting a pay raise at your job or putting in the extra work to earn the raise. It’s the difference between wanting to see the scenery off the coast of Greece or properly budgeting, planning your trip, and checking out the sunset yourself!

I’ve experienced my fair share of inaction unfortunately. I was always a big dreamer and deep thinker, mostly to a fault. We all go through these phases where we just want something to happen and don’t do a thing about it. There was way too much coasting going on in my own life and it just wasn’t sitting right.

It wasn’t until I started to act that some of those dreams started to become attainable! It wasn’t until I started to put in the work, to physically move the needle that I started to feel more fulfilled. I started to feel that energy again. I began to work towards those dreams and let me tell you, it makes me feel alive.

We all dream, we all overthink, and we all tend to worry about the ripple affects. It’s human nature and I’ll be the first to admit that these things still happen to me more than I would like. But it’s something that I continue to work on day in and day out! It’s in the actions we take to fulfill our dreams, to move the needle, and to take the first step towards our goals. I want to encourage all of us to take action and not stress about the outcomes. The dreams and outcomes are fairy dust. It’s in the preparation, the work you put in, and the need to accomplish what you’re after - that’s where you create your dreams, your outcomes. They simply become a result of the work you put in.

Lets take action, together. Lets challenge each other. Lets move the needle. In whatever capacity it may be I want us to take a step towards something. If you’ve thought about taking a trip or want to visit a friend, do it! If you’ve thought about starting your own business, make a move that gets you closer! If you’ve dreamed about taking up a laughter yoga class to ease some of that stress, then get after it!

I would love to hear from you guys on this topic. What are you taking steps towards today? Is there something you’ve wanted to tackle but haven’t yet? Reach out and let me know! My goal is centered around these conversations and how we can help each other. You never know, someone in our community may be able to propel you forward or have a real action step that they implemented in their own life! They could be just an email away.

Shoot me a note anytime at theitsjustjakeblog@gmail.com. I respond to every single one of you, and the engagement and conversations that we’ve had so far have really moved me.

Take Action!

Cheers