Recently, I was delivering shirts and jackets (as a favor to my daughter) to the members of the high school debate team.  Quite a few of the kids live in gated communities, which was a bit of a challenge.  I had to give my name, explain who I was, and that, no, I wasn’t from Whole Foods, each and every time. 

Most of these neighborhoods were new to me, so I was relying heavily on my GPS.  One drop off was especially tricky, because the GPS first took me to the unmanned back gate.  After I found the guard at the main gate, made the drop and left the community, I returned to the main road.  When I put the next address into the GPS, it seemed to be taking me toward the back gate again.  My gut said that wasn’t the right direction, so I just sat there in my car.  A few minutes passed…with the GPS saying one thing and my gut saying another. As long as I stayed stationary, there was no way to be sure if the GPS was pointing me in the right direction or not.  

And so it is in our businesses…

Often, we feel like we should make a move, or we’re told to make a certain move by someone else, but we’re not 100% sure it’s the right one.  How can we know?  We can do research, ask for advice from trusted sources and outline the potential pitfalls, but often, the only way to tell if it’s the right move or not is to take it. 

When I was sitting there in the car, the only way to activate the GPS was to start moving.  As long as I stayed in that spot, I wouldn’t know if it was the right way or not. 

To achieve our goals and dreams, we have to take forward action.  

One of my favorite quotes is, “The Universe can’t steer a rock.” Which means this: The only way we can get inspiration, direction and feedback is if we’re moving. 

There is no way to know for sure that every move we make is going to work out for the best.  Business involves some risk which takes us outside our comfort zone.  It’s easy to get stuck…stuck in confusion, stuck in indecision, stuck in researching options…worrying that it won’t be perfect.  I know you recognize these….they are all signs of fear.  

Good question, right?? Are you afraid to change?  Ask tough questions?  Listen to different people?  Try something you haven’t done before…something that could leave you open to embarrassment, rejection, disappointment, or even failure? Depending on past experiences, old stories, and our limiting beliefs…risking the wrong move can look pretty scary.  

But there is only one way to break through those barriers and get unstuck, and that’s by taking action.  And not just any action…taking consistent action toward your dreams and goals.  

This is easier said than done.  Am I right? 

Here are some steps to help you move forward: 

• Set a date that you’re going to make a move and tell at least one other person.  
• Do a finite amount of research or research for a finite amount of time
• Outline your plan and decide on the first or first few steps.  
• Once you take action, ask others you trust for feedback.
• Keep taking action.
• Measure your results.

What if your feedback and results show that some course corrections are in order? It happens! Sometimes our GPS screws up, right?  It takes us the long way, or via a road that is now closed.  

If that happens, you make the necessary changes and then take action again – repeating the process over and over.  You have to take action, course correct and continue moving forward – that’s the process for achieving your goals and dreams.