Embracing Action: The Path from Ideas to Reality
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Chapter 1: The Power of Action
In the quiet of the night, I often find myself writing. While I don’t see myself as a “night owl,” I’ve learned that when inspiration strikes, it’s vital to capture those thoughts immediately, rather than relying on my memory for the next day. This practice extends to my ideas for products and courses. Embracing action, even at unconventional times, has granted me a fulfilling and liberated lifestyle. Just as Yoda advised, "Do or do not; there is no try." However, there’s a deeper narrative to explore…
Recently, I reached out to my community (that includes you!) for questions regarding affiliate marketing. I promised that if I received twelve inquiries, I'd reward everyone on my list with two years of complimentary access to one of my top affiliate marketing courses.
While I gathered a few questions, I still fall short of my goal. Some individuals shared reasons for their hesitance in promoting something daily — be it a free Amazon book or my complimentary “Action Habits Challenge” through their affiliate link. This reveals a significant divide…
Taking action demands courage, whether it’s buying a lottery ticket, enrolling in a course, or crafting a blog post. There are no assurances that our efforts will yield results, yet some people are eager to take that leap into the unknown, while others either never start or struggle with consistency. Fully embracing the “Do or Do Not” mentality can be transformative. Let me recount a recent experience that illustrates this…
Two years ago, I dedicated myself to writing scripts and screenplays for film and television. I invested in screenwriting books, both physical and on Audible, subscribed to relevant email lists, and became part of an online community led by a well-known writer. I write daily and manage to finish about 10% of the scripts I initiate. Progress is gradual, but I am committed to the journey and learning immensely along the way. We share our writing as assignments every few weeks to enhance our skills collectively.
In this group, there are individuals whose writing prowess far surpasses mine in terms of narrative and structure. Yet, when life throws challenges their way, many choose to step back. Their recent excuses include the writer’s strike, impending recession, AI developments, personal health issues, and climate concerns. I didn’t inquire about the weather’s influence on writing. The rest of us persist, as if the external world holds no sway over our creative pursuits.
This might come across as dramatic. It may seem self-centered to pursue personal satisfaction and growth without a clear benefit to those around us. Yet, I’ve reframed my perspective and genuinely believe in the necessity of chasing our passions and desires that resonate with our hearts. If I intended to write, I had to do so consistently and strive for my utmost potential. The philosophy of “Do or Do Not; there is no Try” remains a guiding principle for me.
You are currently reading a piece from my third blog, Monday Morning Mellow, which I launched in July 2019. Over the last four years, I have published a new article every Monday for two hundred twelve consecutive weeks. Each post averages about 1,200 words, culminating in over a quarter of a million words on this platform alone. In November 2022, I compiled many of these articles into a book of essays titled “Essays at the Intersection of Hope and Synchronicity.” With about 88,000 words in that book, I could easily produce two more books from my previous posts.
Why share this narrative and these figures? To emphasize that once I commit to a task, I see it through to its conclusion and discover where the journey leads me.
Instead of losing interest after a certain number of posts or time, I continued forward. This is a stark contrast to my previous approach to most aspects of my life before 2006. What prompted this significant change?
I craved more… More time, more financial freedom, and the rewarding feeling that accompanies a heightened work ethic.
What action-oriented individuals grasp is not merely a mystery. When I entered the online realm in 2006, I carried more reasons for hesitation than anyone I knew. Yet, I set those aside and dedicated myself to the work. The initial stages were chaotic, as they often are when trying something new. But once I saw even minor success, I was grateful for having taken action when I did. I’m eager to hear your thoughts on what I’ve shared.
James Clear wisely notes, “It’s hard to build momentum if you’re dividing your attention.” To create a lifestyle that many can only dream of, you must focus on your aspirations.
The Importance of Setting Goals
Without clearly defined goals, time can slip away unproductively in any business endeavor. Goals not only fuel your ambition but also maintain your focus on the ultimate outcome.
Both short-term and long-term goals are essential. They work in tandem to steer you in the right direction. Long-term goals serve as your staircase, while short-term goals represent the individual steps that construct it.
You cannot achieve your long-term objectives without first realizing smaller milestones. For instance, if your aim is to build a successful business, you must first establish your website or prepare your content or products.
Establishing a buzz around your business and creating social media connections with potential customers are examples of short-term goals that pave the way for your long-term aspirations. These milestones provide a clear roadmap, helping you avoid distractions. Each completed task fuels your motivation, propelling you closer to your ultimate destination.
Long-term goals represent the outcomes you wish to see from your hard work. They act as a finish line, crucial not only for building a business but also for enhancing your skills and knowledge.
These goals guide you by clarifying which short-term goals you must achieve first. For example, if you aspire to teach fitness, you must possess the requisite knowledge and passion.
This might entail short-term objectives like enrolling in fitness training or nutrition courses. Each short-term goal should be a vital component of your overarching long-term goal.
Ensure these steps are purposeful so you don’t lose direction. For instance, if you plan to launch an online gardening business, learning about horticulture is essential, while studying unrelated subjects would be unproductive.
If you intend to create and manage your own website during the startup phase, it aligns with your long-term goal to learn how to do so. Each accomplishment of a short-term goal marks progress, but these goals must be clearly defined.
Initially, jot down your long-term objectives. Then, break these down into actionable short-term goals required to realize your long-term vision.
Many find it beneficial to outline long-term goals first and then decompose short-term goals into weekly, monthly, and yearly tasks. Document what must happen weekly, monthly, or annually to achieve your ultimate goal.
Genius Thinking: A Pathway to Success
I have always been fascinated by the concept of genius thinking, leading to the creation of a product inspired by the “Genius Hour” initiated at Google years ago. Also known as 20% Time or Passion Projects, Genius Hour allowed Google employees to dedicate 20% of their workweek to pursue projects that interested them, provided they benefitted the company. Innovations like Gmail, Adsense, and Google News emerged from this self-directed time.
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Research shows that expanding your thinking patterns to become more flexible and creative is far more advantageous than having someone dictate your thoughts. As I mentor individuals toward success in online business, the focus is on strategies rather than mere tactics to unlock their unique genius thinking, allowing it to manifest as the business they aspire to create.
If you have any inquiries about this or any related topics, feel free to reach out, and I will personally respond. Remember, the “Do or Do Not” strategy is a reliable one, regardless of where you find yourself on your journey.
“The value in looking inward and growing spiritually, investing in yourself, as you virtually travel the path to online entrepreneurship will yield the highest returns you could ever hope for or imagine.” ~ Connie Ragen Green
I’m Connie Ragen Green — a bestselling author, marketing strategist, and online entrepreneur — living a life beyond my wildest dreams. Join me on this journey, and together we can explore what a lifestyle designed by you would look like.
This video titled "Do. Or do not. There is no try." delves into the essence of taking decisive action in life, inspired by the iconic wisdom of Yoda. It explores how the mindset of commitment over hesitation can lead to greater success.
In this video, titled “No, Try Not. Do or Do Not, There Is No Try,” we examine practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt and the importance of fully committing to our goals. It emphasizes that success is born from action, not merely intention.