I'm sure that by now you have heard of The Secret, by Rhonda Byrne. It is a hit movie on DVD, a best-selling book and audio book. It is based on the premise that the secret to success is the Law of Attraction. Basically, if you focus on what you want and set the intention to get it, eventually the universe will make it happen for you.

Although I really enjoyed the DVD, the book and the audio, yes I have all three and I highly recommend them, I think it falls a little short of the mark. You see, I have been telling people for years that "success is based on persistency and consistency, not magic."

In other words, I agree 100% that what you focus on expands. So you must focus on what you want, not what you don't want. Then you must set the intention to have it. But without taking purposeful action toward the achievement of your new goal you are simply just dreaming.

Positive Thinking Is Not Enough

Have you ever wondered why there are so many people that are not successful, not happy with their lives or want more from life? You would think that with so many new books on self help and the topic of success that come out every day, that most people would be successful and happy.

One problem is that believe it or not, 80% of non fiction books do not get read. Many people buy them but very few read them completely. It's as though some people think that by simply owning the book they benefit from its content. If that is you, don't worry, you're not alone. But that being said, if you would like to start changing your life and your level of success, you need to actually do something about it.

There is a huge problem with implementation in the world today. Most people operate at only a small percentage of their true potential. As a result, they realize only a small percentage of their potential success. In most case the "keys to the kingdom" or the "recipe for success" in any given field of endeavor is spelled out in its entirety, but people just won't do what it takes to succeed. The problem is poor to no implementation. Positive thinking and affirmations are not enough by themselves. You need to actually take action.

Just Get Started

I believe that it all starts with believing in your self. Knowing that you have what it takes to be a success, the self confidence to go out and get started, to make a few mistakes but keep right on going. For most people the problem is with getting started. Some just don't know where to start. This just takes a little research and a few questions.

For most though, the problem lies in over preparation. Too many people spend so much time getting ready that they just don't get started. Have you ever heard the expression 'Ready, Fire, Aim'? It means you don't have to be perfect in order to get started.

It is o.k. to just get going and make corrections as you go. I have a client that has been trying to start her business for far too long, but she just never seems to be quite ready. Did you know that a plane actually spends more time off course than on course? The pilot is continually making minor adjustments to stay on course. But somehow you always end up at your correct destination. The same holds true in business and in life. The key is to just get moving, get started and make adjustments as you go.

What Do You Want?

Here is a key piece of advice for you - Find out what it is that you want to do.

Sounds simple doesn't it? Well that is not always the case.

Most people only have a vague idea of what they want to achieve. I mean you need to sit down with a pad and a pen and hot cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage) and really find out what you want to do.

Write out the things you want to accomplish with your business, career, project, whatever it is you are embarking on. Don't worry about what you write, just start writing. When you have written down your wants and needs you can go back through everything to find the similarities and the common theme. You may be surprised as a result of this exercise.

You Might Just Impress Yourself

Some people are actually afraid to get started in a new endeavor because they don't feel worthy. You might be asking yourself, "What gives me the right to do this, sell this or provide advice about this?"

This is very common but not something that should stop you. The client I mentioned earlier feels she needs another course in order to be ready to face the world in her new business. In actuality, this woman has more talent than even she believes.

Most people would be surprised at how qualified they actually are. If you find this is holding you back, I would suggest you put together a professional portfolio of your accomplishments, experience and education. I can almost guarantee you that you will be pleasantly surprised and impressed with your self when you read through your portfolio.

The Secret Is Purposeful Action

You may be thinking that from what you have read so far, that this advice only pertains to someone in business. This is just not the case. While these things are all topics I go into much greater detail with my business clients, they can and do pertain to anyone.

Whether you are in business, sales, looking for a promotion at work, thinking about moving into management, volunteering with an association, applying for a job, starting or developing a relationship, or just trying to make a decision that affects your life, these things can certainly help you get the clarity and focus you need to get started.

Just knowing that implementation is usually the sticking point should help you make the commitment to get the ball rolling. It takes more energy to get started than it does to keep going. The key is to build momentum.

Think of a train starting, a plane taking off or even better, a rocket launching. These things take enormous amounts of energy to get started but very little to keep them moving. So it is with life, although it may take more out of you in the way of a commitment to beginning, it gets a whole lot easier once you have begun.

Remember that client I mentioned earlier? She is getting her business started, she has made a commitment to taking action and she continues to impress even herself.

Don't let fear and hesitation, both common causes of procrastination, hold you back from taking purposeful action and getting started on your better life!


David Mason is president of Mason Performance Development Inc., a Speaker, Trainer, Performance Development Coach and internationally best-selling author.

Find out more about David and how he can improve your results at www.YourBigProfits.com

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