Sometimes I feel as if I should apologize for my impatience. At times I question whether I was the only person who got the memo that there is work to do. Sometimes I am curious whether its my astrological sign (Virgo) or my StrengthsfinderTM results that make me prone to activate, achieve, plan, push and GO! Whatever the cause, whatever the situation, whatever the given role, I like to get things done. And in seasons of life, or seasons of a pandemic, I’m learning that we may find ourselves with more time than we have commitments to fill. Carving out time to focus on a blog is a result of this situation for me. Yes, I am saying the opposite from what you may expect, as we often say “I am so busy..,” “I have too much to do..,” “so little time…” so what is this business about having too much time and not enough commitments? That sounds like a vacation!
We all have some level of action or drive within ourselves. I definitely lean towards more action than rest. Of course, there is a need for balance between commitments and time. And the ratio of each will differ from person to person. For example, I am the weirdo who likes to clean buckets for a flower shop as an unpaid intern for “fun”, and the idea of hanging out on a paddleboard on a lake for an hour or two sounds like “hard work.” Knowing our equation for play and work, our balance of commitment and time, and recognizing our individual preferences for fulfillment and pleasure will be the first important step as we consider what we want when it comes to ACTION. I suddenly imagine that cheer “Action, Action, we want action, ACT – ION!”.
Recently I was asked to explain the name of my business: Transform. Action. Strategy. to a flower shop colleague. Truthfully, this life as a sole proprietor came together very quickly. And the first thing I knew about this business’ name is that “Action” would be part of it. I have a propensity for action. I like time-boxed agendas with objectives as I want a clear picture of what we are going to do, how much time we are going to spend on the discussion, and ultimately what does this meeting plan to accomplish. There is no room for confusion or ambiguity when we convene a group (meaning four or more people) as there is too much at stake (the cost of their time) and it is disrespectful of people’s commodity of time. Timed agendas curate an action-oriented meeting, even better if it accomplishes the stated objective!
I like the use of action words like accelerate, motivate, increase, improve, and it’s even more powerful to me when combined with a noun (e.g. conquer life or answered prayer). Something happens inside me as I imagine the possibility of completed action. Its like little neurons ignite and flashes of color radiate in my brain. Something is going to happen. The idea for something better is very motivational for me.
I like to believe that there is purpose in most everything, and when something is lacking its luster, it’s because I haven’t cracked the code of what is intended for that moment. Even with the daily schedules of our work, which could easily become mundane over time, I believe there is something always there for us to discover (another action word). Whether it’s a project that makes one more positive step towards its goal; or a conversation between two people that brightens the day; or a shared struggle that discussed with hopes leads to a better outcome the next day. There is purpose in the work. There is purpose in the conversation. There is purpose in the struggle. Even in moments when it seems accidental that you got X news at Y time, there is purpose in this… I believe.
Given this context, it probably isn’t a surprise that I wanted “action” in my business name. Not only to reflect myself, but really to provide that commitment to my customers. And its also fair to say that a Propensity for Action could also be a superpower. Its GREAT when we agree that we want to move ahead, doing this thing at this time. It’s also Superman’s kryptonite when moments call for inactivity or suspended action, until the activator in me realizes suspending or pausing is also an action 😊.
My personal vision statement contains “LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE” and my 12-week goal (which I just renewed for another 12 weeks) is to live a joy-filled life, with focus on love, laughter and living, being the best version of myself. The action within these three “L” words inspires me to seek purpose in everyday experiences that otherwise may feel mundane.
LIVE: I have a choice each day on my mindset; my attitude; I can write my story.
LOVE: Others, be of service. Family first. No regrets. Be passionate. Be “all in” in what I do. Believe in myself . I am worthy of love.
LAUGH: Pursue joy, sing with joy – Be Joy. Don’t take myself too seriously; it’s ok to make mistakes; be sure to play.
Pretty decent action words to live by. “LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE.” And true to form, it wasn’t enough. When I wrote my personal vision in 2015, I added one more word, which is “IMAGINE.” What I realized as I shared my vision statement in a room to 25 other leaders was that it was missing an important part of me.
IMAGINE: I am a creative, an innovator, a dreamer, and I want to explore. And my truest desire is to be an inspiration.
What is your propensity for action? What is your personal vision statement and why?
Ubuntu. I am because we are.