56 - Act Now: The Crucial Step to Achieve Success

Have you ever spent hours planning, mapping out your goals, dreaming about the next chapter of your career... only to realise, months later, that nothing has actually changed?

You are not alone.

You can plan all day long, but if you do not take action, nothing changes.

I have been thinking about this so much lately that I even considered adding Action as a fourth step to my Three Step System! Over and over again I see people start but then stop. Whether it is training, learning a new language, or even a fitness plan. Action is easy to start but difficult to maintain. 

Without action, even the best plan stays stuck on paper. You stay stuck exactly where you are, dreaming about the career or life you could have, while watching others move forward.

Please do not let that be you.

Taking action is where the magic happens (and where, sadly, most people stop). Today, I want to help you stay on track with simple, manageable steps. 

Breaking Down Your Dream Into Big Steps

Dreaming big is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you do not know where to start. This is why one of the most powerful things you can do is to break your dream down into smaller, achievable steps.

Last week, I shared how you can break a big goal into manageable milestones. If your dream is to transition into a new career, for example, it is not enough to say, "I want to work in tech" or "I want a promotion." You need to get specific.

Ask yourself:

• What are 3–5 major steps I need to take to make this happen?
  
  
• What can I realistically accomplish in the next 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months?
  
  
• What action can I take today?
  
  

Here are some examples of action steps you might take:

Want to switch careers?

• Research companies and roles that align with your skills and interests.
  
  
• Reach out to someone in the industry for a 15-minute advice call.
  
  
• Find a mentor who can guide you through the transition.

When I was transitioning from my last organisation, this is exactly what I did. I made a valuable connection on LinkedIn, someone who was where I thought I wanted to be, and asked if they would be happy to have a quick call. It turned out that they gave me exactly what I needed, the next steps I needed to take. 

Want to start a business?

• Validate your idea by speaking to potential customers.
  
  
• Take an online course or workshop to sharpen a key skill.
  
  
• Create a simple plan for your first product or service.

When I knew I wanted to get into property investing, I wanted to ensure I did it the right way for me. So, I invested in some high quality training. The financial commitment scared me! But it was one of the best things I have ever done - invested in myself. Through that training, I learned the next steps I needed to take.

Want to get out of debt?

• Get clear on your total debt (even if it feels uncomfortable at first).
  
  
• Pay off the smallest debt first to build momentum.
  
  
• Research ways to improve your credit score.
  
  

When I was committed to getting out of debt, I took the time to realise my situation before researching the best ways to get to where I wanted to be - then I took planned action. This took time, honesty, and patience, and was one of the most liberating experiences when I was debt free and my credit score was high. 

What Step Can You Take Today?

No matter how small, action compounds over time.

Right now, I want you to commit to one action today:

• Looking for a new career? Send one email to a mentor or recruiter.
  
  
• Want to start a business? Write down three possible business ideas.
  
  
• Trying to get healthier? Go for a 20-minute walk.
  
  

No action is too small — as long as you actually do it

Progress is progress, as long as it moves you in the right direction. And you get direction from taking the time to Think Big - Step 2 of my Three Step System. 

A year from now, you will either be celebrating how far you have come - or wishing you had started today. I know which one I want for you!

One action today can change everything.

So... what step will you take right now?

Always with love,
Elsa x