We know we need to act, but there are lot’s of reasons not to! Ok, why don’t we take action?
We need to, but…
We know we need to act, but we just cannot make it happen. Not right now! Maybe not ever!
Why are we slow to act or refuse to act at all?
Well, options include we’re: afraid, confused, lazy, distrustful, overwhelmed, or lacking in faith. And, let’s not forget: “That’s above my pay grade!” We’ve lots of excuses for indecisiveness.
What’s the worst thing…
Another way to describe taking action is intentionality. That is, we make a choice then we act intentionally. What we did wasn’t an accident.
As a result of taking action, there’s an outcome. And, we’re responsible because it was our choice to take that action.
We can pair intentionality with accountability. Thus, together they’re a version of sow-reap where we’re accountable for our life outcomes. Yes, this sounds just like your mother!
So, what’s the worst thing that could happen? Actually, all types of things could go wrong! Worse yet, we’re really good at thinking up all those “worst things”!
The Biggest Barrier
What’s our biggest barrier to taking action?
Perhaps it’s context. We have no context for making a choice and taking action because we’re unclear about our purpose for this season of our life.
Conversely, when we’re clear about our purpose, our WHY, we can then move forward with establishing priorities and setting goals. That’s the WHAT, as in, what we’re to do.
However, we must first answer WHY, based on WHO we are. Most fundamentally, there’s a spiritual core around which WHO, WHY, and WHAT circulate.
Intentionality is a powerful asset, especially when paired with clarity of purpose. proverbsforprofessionals.net
My Spiritual Core
What’s the spiritual core for intentionality? For me, as a person of faith, my purpose for this season of my life is driven by a divine relationship. Proverbs 16.9 points out that we’re good at making plans, but it’s the Lord who directs our steps.
Generally, it’s much easier to be decisive and intentional when we’re clear about God’s desire, hence purpose, for us.
I accomplish God’s purpose for my life when I allow God’s sovereign will to be worked out through my life. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Apply This Today!
Purpose-driven intentionality creates a bias for taking action. As such, setbacks become a learning opportunity on the way to accomplishing our purpose.
We often hear the question “If you could not fail…” But, the fact is, failure is always a possibility, regardless of all the pep talks we hear. Why is failure an option? Because we cannot control every factor or contingency that may arise.
Regardless of what’s uncontrollable, if we’re driven by fear of failure we’ll never take action, thus will never grow. Is that where you want to live?
A Question to Consider
Are you a rational, or a go-with-the-gut, decision maker? What are some problems with using either one of these two decision styles exclusively?
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
To interact with me, use the links in the Contact Me tab of this blog.
