Thinking about action

What can I do about that? It is my favourite question. 

Sometimes the answer is nothing. There is nothing I can do about it. It is raining - what can I do about that? Nothing!

If there is nothing I can do then that is that, but if there is something that is in my control - I will do it! I am concerned about someone - what can I do about that?

I want to earn more money - what can I do about that? My knee hurts - what can I do about that?

I think about action every day. Every day I think, ‘Right. What is one thing I can do today that's going to improve my life?’ Talking, wishing and wanting will not get you the life you want. The world responds to action!

Is there something that you could be doing right now to make your life or someone else’s life better? We all have way more power than we realise. “Agency" is the underlying sense that you are not powerless in a situation and it is with agency that you make decisions. The less decisions we make the less powerful we feel. People who  lack agency become “frozen” when a decision is required.

Action is a power point. Action is about getting stuff done, making shit happen. Action keeps the darkness away. Taking action is a brilliant way to keep life moving. Everyone has days where we feel a bit flat. When we cannot be bothered. For me, action is always the answer.

It helps with what I call ‘Eeyore moments’. Those moments when you feel hopeless, you’ve lost interest and stopped moving. If you're having an Eeyore moment, take some action; it will distract you from the dark fog that comes in when you're feeling low. 

I often get asked if I have times when I feel flat. I have such high energy that people are intrigued and wonder if I am like this all the time! I have always been a very positive and high energy person, but of course, there are days when I cannot be bothered. Days when things feel hopeless. As soon as I feel this coming on, I take action. I jump up and do something. Anything. I send an email. I go for a walk. I phone someone. It doesn't matter what you do. If you're feeling flat at work, get up from your desk, go and get a coffee. If you're at home and you're feeling blah, then put your walking shoes on and go for a walk. Get outside. Go and do something. Do anything that's going to make you feel a little bit better.

‘My actions are my only true belongings - I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.’ 

Thich Nhat Hanh