Are you taking the 'right' kind of action?

We all know how to take action, we do it every day. But have you ever stopped to consider that there are two types of actions you can take? One type of action is way more common than the other and unfortunately, it's also the one that's least helpful! So what are the two types? Well, there are “busy” actions and purposeful actions.

The “busy” actions

These are the actions we think we should do because then we’ll fit in, be liked, be approved of and prove to others we’re good enough.

That right there is a primal instinct. Because as humans we crave a sense of safety and belonging, and that means being accepted by and included in a group. Whether that group is our family, friends, workplace, community or whatever, we’ll do whatever we think is necessary to be safe and to belong.

The problem is, those actions won’t necessarily align with who you are or what you want, and they sure can keep you busy! In fact, there's always something for you to do, right?

Being busy matters though, doesn’t it?

Hmm, not if it’s constant and driven by the fear of being excluded from the group.

Have you ever heard people saying things like...

I'm so busy, I've not eaten lunch.

I'm so busy, I've not had time to exercise.

I'm so busy, I don't have time to take holidays.

And on it goes!

That sort of busyness isn't healthy or helpful BUT it's treated like a badge of honour. It’s a way of proving to others that you're worthy, that you're enough. But it doesn’t feel fulfilling, does it? And any sense of safety and belonging can be fleeting because your mind wanders over to thoughts about what really matters to you.

Now, don't get me wrong. There are absolutely going to be times when we need to be busy, like for me when I launch the Live Well Programme each year. There's a lot of activity in a short space of time for a specific reason.

Take purposeful action

Purposeful action is most helpful because that’s what “moves the needle” . These are the actions that help you achieve your dreams and goals. They align with your values and what matters to you. And because of that there’s a greater sense of fulfillment, of satisfaction.

To figure out these actions, it’s important to know who you are and what matters to you. Because when you know that and create a plan for your life (and business too, if you’re a business owner), you’re then able to choose actions that are helping you achieve real success.

So, if you’ve got clarity about who you are and what you want, use the 3 prompts below to get greater clarity about the actions that deserve your attention, energy and focus. And as you do this work, give yourself a time-frame to work with. For example, what will you keep, stop and start today / this week / this month / this year.

  • What do you need to KEEP doing?

  • What do you need to STOP doing?

  • What do you need to START doing?

If you've got the Live Well Life Planner, head to the Keep - Stop - Start page and write in there. If not, grab your journal or a piece of paper. Avoid judging or censoring your thoughts, simply write whatever comes to mind.

Remember, not all action is going to be useful or helpful. And you have the power to choose what you give your attention, energy and focus to.

Go well.

Hey there, I’m Tracey, a life coach based in Te Awamutu, a small town in the Waikato region of New Zealand. I teach gentle souls practical tools and mindset strategies to consciously create their life. And not just any life! A life aligned with who you are and what you truly value. Because life is for living well now!

Keen to dive deeper into what you want for your life? I’ve got you covered - check out the newly launched Life By Design programme