When do you take action?

So, here’s the scenario: you’re stressed out and something needs to change or you’re going to break.

Or, life has changed – unexpectedly – and now you’re stressed out and if you don’t do something about it – you’re going to break.

But where do you start?  Can you take action yet?

Wait up.  First of all, get a handle on what’s going on.  How do you know what action to take if you don’t know what you’re dealing with?  Any action at this point is going to be a knee-jerk reaction and maybe get you more in the poo.

Write it down.

• What are you stressed about?
• What change has happened – or needs to happen?  Be specific about this.  ‘Everything’ is not an answer.  What is ‘everything’?

Now, you’ve done that – is it time for action?  Do you quit everything and jump ship?

Err, no.

Have a look over what you’ve written - what options are open to you?  What do you actually want?  Are there safety and lifestyle considerations of higher priority?  Like getting a job or finding somewhere to live?

Write it down.

• What do you want?  Where are you going?  What’s the outcome you’re going for?
• Write a list of your options to get there.
• Prioritise your options.
• Write down the names of people or organisations who can help you – you don’t have to go this alone.

Okay – now you have a game plan – it’s time to take action.  Do it! 

The name of the game now is ‘progress, not perfection’.  No need to wait for ducks to line up, start taking action now and putting changes in place – the way you want them to be.

Review your plan as you go:

• Has your end goal changed?
• Is there a higher priority in the mix now?
• Is your game plan still on track or do you need to change it up?
• Do you need to find someone to help you?

 
So, to recap this really quick lesson in tackling change:

Write down

1. What just happened?  What’s stressing you?  What’s changed?
2. Where are you going?  What do you want?
3. What are your options for making it happen?  What’s the priority?
4. Take action.  Do it.  Progress, not perfection.
5. Review where you’re going.  Are you on track or does something in the goal or plan need to change?

And lastly, don’t forget to ask for help if you need it!
 
Start taking action, and have a great week!
Gillian