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Taking Action to Achieve Personal Success Guide


Taking Actions

Achieving personal success isn’t about waiting for the “right” moment or the perfect opportunity—there rarely is such a thing. As a life coach, I’ve seen firsthand that success is about taking action, making a move, even a small one, especially when things feel uncertain.


Progress happens when we choose to act instead of making excuses why it’s not a good time. When we stop letting fear or doubt control our decisions, we open ourselves up to growth and the chance to turn possibilities into realities.


Learning what it means to take action and how to take consistent steps is a habit that transforms ideas into reality. In the ‘Taking Action to Achieve Personal Success’ Guide", you’ll discover exactly how to build this habit and turn your ideas into results.


The Power of Taking Action


Have you ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly achieve their dreams while others remain stuck in a cycle of wishing and hoping? The answer lies in the transformative force of taking action. Setting goals is essential, but without taking action, they remain mere wishes floating in the abyss of possibilities.


As I reflect on my own life experience and journey over the last decade, I realize that understanding the importance of how to take action has been the driving force that unlocked the door to my life coaching aspirations. It is through the decision to act that I have transformed mere dreams into reality that are tangible and exhilarating!


In the pursuit of our dreams and aspirations, taking action, no matter how small, is the essential force that propels us forward and turns visions into reality. Learning how to manifest your dream life begins with setting goals, but without action, those goals remain dreams. It is through action that we breathe life into our desires and set ourselves on the path to achieving them. Turn your dreams into reality by trusting that each deliberate action will take you closer to your envisioned life.



Taking Action - dream to Reality ebook


What Is Taking Action & How to Take Action


Learning how to take action requires a conscious effort to break free from the shackles of indecisiveness and procrastination. It's easy to fall into the trap of overthinking and self-doubt, but once we acknowledge our deepest desires and commit to pursuing them, we experience a profound shift in perspective. Consider action taking as the initial spark of courage you need to truly pursue the goal you've long dreamed of.


I know this may sound all too simple, but it is the decision in your mind that you make to do anything that makes progress. This is how to take action, plain and simple. Making the decision to act, then taking action is a liberating experience. It is the realization that we hold the reins of our destiny and have the power to shape our life according to our aspirations.


By breaking down our goals into actionable steps, we create a roadmap that makes the journey manageable and achievable. Goals and action steps become our newfound empowerment, filling us with a sense of purpose and determination as we navigate with confidence and clarity.


Embracing My Decision to Take Action


Starting a new venture, learning a new skill, achieving work-life balance, and embarking on a personal transformation was not always comfortable for me, but it is invigorating. Stepping into the realm of the unknown, armed with determination and fueled by the passion to see my dreams come to fruition, feels exhilarating. Embracing action gives me the sense that I am getting closer toward each goal I set, motivating me to continue pressing forward.


This journey has taught me that identifying the precise moment when we recognize the need for change isn’t always possible. To manifest change, we must first fully understand what needs to change if we genuinely seek success or growth.

Once our awareness is heightened, we can decide to act. Remember, inaction is a choice, too—a decision you actively make to remain stagnant. It is when we make a conscious decision to take actions, that sets everything in motion.


When I made the decision years ago to quit my corporate 9-5 job and become an entrepreneur, it was the easiest, most fierce, and most empowering feeling that took over me—along with sheer fear.


Of course, it took a few years to get my new business off the ground, as they say... I put my ideas into action, but with every step I took, my confidence soared, my belief in myself grew stronger, and as I progressed, the evolution of my business manifested over time.


Embracing action was not a single event but a journey—an ongoing commitment to progress and personal development. Take it from me, be nice to yourself and do not let that voice of fear in your head take over.


When you indeed learn how to take action, you realize that the decision to act is the catalyst for that desired transformation you seek. That decision is the turning point that marks the beginning of an extraordinary adventure.


Taking an action step signifies an affirmation of self-belief, resilience, and a refusal to be limited by fear. Through embracing the decision to act, I've learned that the most fulfilling experiences in life lie just beyond the realm of comfort, waiting for us to take that courageous step forward.


Doing Things Afraid is the Art of Courage


The art of courage is not the absence of fear; it is the audacity to take action despite its presence. With every courageous step, fear loses its' grip on us, and we find ourselves growing more capable of handling challenges.



FEAR - taking action


We summon the courage to take action by acknowledging our fears and daring to open doors to possibilities that once seemed out of reach. Fear, rather than hindering progress, becomes a spark for personal growth and transformation, igniting our journey as we take full responsibility for our life.


In every decision-making moment, we find ourselves in the driver's seat. Sometimes, two contrasting voices echo in our heads:


  • Fear saying: "You have no idea what you are doing."

  • Courage says: "Go for it! Take a chance. You've got this!"


And in a sense, fear is right. New experiences are challenging and can be hard and uncomfortable, making us question our capabilities. The art of taking action looks like embracing fear, hand in hand with courage, serving as a reminder of our humanity and the incredible potential that lies within us all.


But courage has a point as well. Without trying, without making an attempt, fear will win out every time, and we will never learn from a potential outcome, or a new level of true potential.


Discovering how to take action requires courage, bringing us closer to our aspirations and pushing the boundaries of what we once believed to be impossible. Taking action especially when we don't feel like it is an art that when mastered, will meticulously maneuver you from the menace posed by distractions, and into the flow of inspiration and momentum.


When we grasp how to take action, we can dismantle the barriers that distract us and emerge victorious, carving our own path through the noise.


Taking Actions to Form Positive Habits

When we talk about taking action, we can't ignore the role of positive habits – our learned behaviors and patterns that we have been accustomed to for likely years – whether optimal or not. Keep in mind that unhealthy habits are still habits, yet they will persist unless we take action to change them. Habits become the building blocks of our daily lives, shaping our routines, behaviors, and ultimately, our destiny.


Whether it’s a positive habit formation, like daily exercise, or a less desirable one we all know too well—procrastination—habits shape our lives more than we realize. They are powerful mechanisms that have the potential to either propel us toward success, staying motivated and on track, or hinder our progress. (Related: Getting Healthy Starts in Your Head) 


Understanding the formation of habits is essential to harnessing their influence and utilizing them to lead a more intentional and purpose-driven life. In this exploration, we delve into the fascinating process of habit formation and how you can cultivate positive and healthy habits that align with your goals and aspirations, ultimately supporting your journey of knowing your purpose.


taking actions

The Role of Repetition


There is a difference between taking action and simply being in motion. Taking the right actions involves doing something repeatedly in order to achieve a particular result. Being in motion on the other hand will never produce an outcome by itself, The role of repetition in the formation of habits cannot be overstated. Taking an action toward your goals, no matter how small over and over is the habit once must muster up continuously to achieve success.


Taking actions by repeatedly pressing forward plays a pivotal role in this process, as it instigates a cycle of repetition that is essential for embedding new behaviors into our daily lives. Harnessing the power of taking actions repeatedly empowers us to cultivate positive habits that align with our goals and aspirations for lasting change and personal growth.


Through consistent repetition in taking action, our brain starts the process of rewiring itself, thereby making that behavior more automatic as time progresses. This phenomenon, known as neuroplasticity, reduces the effort and mental resistance required to perform tasks, showcasing the importance of repetition in the development and strengthening new habits. Neuroplasticity allows us to perform tasks with less effort and mental resistance.


The science of neuroplasticity tells us that our "plastic-like" brain can perform tasks with less effort and mental resistance as the new neural pathways associated with the habit become increasingly efficient. As we repeat a behavior of engagement in a specific action, these neural connections strengthen, reinforcing the habit and making it more ingrained in our daily lives. This exciting science also means that we can learn new things at any age. The more we commit to our habits, the more we achieve that which is tied to them.


The belief that learning and forming new habits are limited to the early years of life is now thankfully outdated. In fact, by consistently taking actions with new habits, our brains are capable of rewiring themselves and forging new neural pathways throughout our entire lifespan. Talk about inspiring—who knew we could teach an old brain new tricks!


Start Small and Be Consistent


Understanding how to take action means recognizing the importance of repeatedly doing something to achieve a specific result. It's often better to start small and be consistent. Embracing the power of taking actions consistently allows us to stay focused and dedicated, making steady strides toward the realization of our dreams over time.


When we start small and break down our goal-setting strategies into manageable tasks and commit to performing them regularly, we build momentum and stay on course. The beauty of this approach lies in the accumulation of small steps, each contributing to the overall journey. With each small action step taken consistently, our action plan for improvement will build momentum, gaining confidence and staying firmly on course toward our aspirations.


As we witness the tangible results of our action plan efforts, no matter how modest they may seem initially, we are inspired to press on, knowing that these incremental advancements are the stepping stones to achieving our grandest ambitions.


Overcoming the Pitfalls of Over-Preparation


While acknowledging the importance of some level of preparation, it's crucial not to fall into the trap of over-preparation. Waiting for the "perfect" moment or attempting to gather all the information before taking action can result in missed opportunities and stagnation. In fact, I am a firm believer that the so-called perfect moment does not even exist.


So, rather than getting stuck in a cycle of perpetual preparation, it's more advantageous to adopt a mindset of learning through doing. Embrace the process of taking actions, knowing that mistakes and setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning.


Mastering how to take action means stepping into new, optimal habits repeatedly. By taking actions, we gain valuable insights from both our successes and failures. Each experience becomes a valuable lesson, offering us a deeper understanding of what works and what doesn't. As we learn from the outcomes of our actions, we become better equipped to make informed decisions and navigate future challenges.


“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Chinese Proverb

Creating an Action Plan


How do we take action when faced with uncertainty, fear, setbacks or lack of clarity?

In all of these scenarios, one thing is for certain, you will stay in them so long as you do nothing at all. Taking action, even if it’s small or imperfect, will move you forward to finding clarity or resolution. Ultimately, the use of an action is something that will equip you to confront your fear, setback and lack of clarity head-on.

Having a well-structured action plan is one great way to begin to learn to streamline the process of taking action and keep you firmly focused on your goals. It involves outlining the necessary steps to achieve your objectives and setting realistic deadlines for each milestone.


With a clear roadmap and strategic action plan in place, we gain the advantage of staying organized and effectively tracking our progress, which, in turn, helps us maintain our self-motivation and determination.


Poorly designed goals are not actionable.


Goal-Setting Tracker

I like to think of an action plan serving us much like a compass, guiding us through the complexities of our path. It breaks down the seemingly overwhelming task into manageable chunks, making the journey feel more achievable and less daunting.


By dividing goals into specific action steps, we gain clarity on the direction we need to take and the tasks we need to accomplish. With milestones, the action plan instills a sense of urgency and accountability. It prevents procrastination and reminds us of the importance of consistent effort.


With each completed task, we experience a sense of accomplishment, further fueling our determination to continue progressing.


Accountability and Support


Sharing our goals and seeking support from others like a mentor, good friend, or a life coach or career coach, can play an important role in our ability to take action. Life coaching serves as a valuable source of encouragement, guidance, and motivation, providing a gentle push and accountability when needed. By practicing accountability in action, we create an environment where we feel empowered to pursue our goals and be supported each other along the way.


The knowledge that others believe in our abilities can significantly boost our confidence and help us navigate through challenges with greater resilience. Learn how accountability from a coach can fast track your discipline to take action and zero in on your goals in mere months with a free discovery call.


When we share our aspirations with trusted individuals, we create a sense of responsibility toward achieving those goals. The act of verbalizing our intentions transforms our life goals and dreams into tangible commitments. This commitment, in turn, propels us to stay on track and remain dedicated to our action plan.


We don't usually tend to see our own blind spots and potential areas for improvement when we are in the midst of taking action, zoned in on our goals. We often gain a greater perspective on others than on ourselves, as it’s easier to observe and evaluate from an external viewpoint. Their belief in us serves as a steady anchor, grounding us in our capabilities and reinforcing our determination. The encouragement and positive reinforcement from our support network remind us that we are not alone on our action plan journey and that there are people cheering us on every step of the way.


6 Key Takeaway: How to Take Action


Here are 6 takeaway steps to help you adopt how to take action consistently:


  1. Embrace the Decision to Act: Commit to pursuing your goal planning with an action steps and understand that even deciding to do nothing is a decision in itself.

  2. Learn Through Doing: Avoid over-preparation and adopt a growth mindset of learning from both successes and failures.

  3. Harness the Power of Repetition: Cultivate positive habits by consistently engaging in behaviors that lead to significant progress over time.

  4. Cultivate an Action Plan: Stay focused on your goals by creating a well-structured plan with specific resources tools, actions steps and realistic deadlines.

  5. Embrace Fear and Courage: Decide to take action despite fear, as courage is not the absence of fear but the strength to take action despite it.

  6. Seek Accountability and Support: Share your goals with others and seek encouragement from friends, family, mentors or personal development coach to stay motivated and on track.


Taking an action today can set the foundation for the success you desire tomorrow. If you’re unsure how to apply these principles in various aspects of your life—whether it’s helping you uncover women’s career coach benefits, nurturing your relationships, enhancing your lifestyle, or fostering self-growth here to help. It’s truly my passion. Figuring out how to take action doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor.



Take Action with a Free Discovery call


My women's life coaching program is tailored to empower you to not only envision a path toward your goals with my support but also to walk it with confidence. It’s time to turn those ideas into action and see what unfolds. It all starts with taking that first baby step—and a maybe a little nudge forward!

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Vanessa Marie

Vanessa Marie North 

Transformational Life Coach

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