Many of us are excellent at taking the first step to change. We identify that there is a need or a want before us that requires doing something differently. We recognize that life would be better if things changed.
We might realize that we are falling behind, that we are not achieving to the degree we want to achieve, that we are missing out, that there is a void within us, that there’s no fun to life, that we do not enjoy a steady state of peace, of happiness, that we do not trust ourselves, that we live in fear, that we don’t feel great about the kind of person we are, that our relationships need work, that our company is not maximizing its potential, and so on. While some change is relatively easy, the change that really matters, that yields the most profound and satisfying results, is generally not.
This is no small step. It requires taking the time for honest reflection. Allocating the time and then mustering the courage to tell ourselves the truth, what is really happening, without rationalization, without excuses, without self-deceit. This is difficult for most. We may need to seek assistance from a professional, a trusted co-worker, friend or family member. There is nothing easy about taking this first step.
As challenging as the first step is, the second step, the one that cannot happen without the first, is even harder. First, we identify the need or desire for change, then we must take the second step and act. There is often a wide chasm between knowing what to do and doing it. Intellectual understanding precedes action. However, so often, this is as far as it goes. We understand the need to change, yet here we sit. We have mentally moved down the path toward what we believe will be a better life, yet our personal Noise applies the brakes before we act. This may be because of fear in one form or another: fear of failure, fear of uncertainty, fear of the effort required and/or fear of change. What we want to change may well be the reason we are resisting change, i.e. a lack of self-worth, the uncomfortableness of making any change, or being paralyzed by the need to know and control what cannot be known and controlled.
Taking that second step to action takes courage and commitment. It means trusting that what we really want is enough, no matter the result. This is being true to who we really are and is all we need to act — no need to spend time in fear of what might happen. Results matter, but they matter much less than being who we really are. Focusing on what might happen, what we do not control, at the expense of what is happening, what we do control, is a prescription for underperformance and for a more difficult path.
Knowing what we really want to do is great. But actually doing it is wonderful. There is nothing more we can ask of ourselves for this is us at our best.
Don’t take the first step without a commitment to take the second. There is no point taking the first step if the second doesn’t happen. It’s a waste of mental energy and time. Knowledge may be power. But knowledge without action breeds disappointment, frustration and a kind of agonizing purgatory.
Commit to that second step and then stay committed, for second steps take us to a better life.
More to come.
Eric Easter is CEO of Indianapolis-based HNN 125 retailer Kittle’s Furniture.