TAKING ACTION
“Ann, you are such an inspiration” … I don’t know how many times I’ve heard that phrase and I noticed it start to grate a little. Yes, I was humbled and honoured that people were inspired by me even though I had no clue why!! Firstly it wasn’t building my business, they weren’t buying products from me .. crazy that one, I know, but I hope you’ll understand where I’m coming from. Secondly, I just didn’t get it because, as far as I was concerned, I was just getting on and living my life and, I admit, there may have been and probably still is a bit of imposter syndrome there.
Anyway time went on and, in the end, I knew I had to own that inspiration and it was that realisation that ultimately led to the development of the Unlikely Guru brand, which I am even now considering trademarking!
But I was still being bothered about it. What did the phrase “Ann, you are such an inspiration” actually mean in particular for the person being inspired and why was I finding it irritating? And then the penny dropped. I was talking to an amazing and, yes, inspirational lady, a 75 year old American who has taken up pole dancing, she’s incredible, really and we were talking again about this word “inspiration” and we realised that there was no earthly point in being inspired if you don’t take action. Not only that but I feel I’m not worthy of this adjective if people are inspired by me and take no action although I recognise entirely that that is their choice.
Taking action, for me, would be seeing the person who is inspired take one small action that will improve her health, wellbeing or lifestyle. Because I do believe that one little action leads to another little action and so on and you notice the changes as they grow exponentially.
If I go back to when I first realised I needed to take action it was over 20 years ago in the year 2000. I was 50, burnt out and not in a good place. There was absolutely no time for me and no time for me to take care of myself. Now looking back I know there was time, there is always time and when we feel there isn’t it’s all about priorities. Back then I didn’t prioritise myself at all, I never even considered it. My first action was to take myself off to see my GP and then a therapist. Yes, they were rather big actions & I had a long way to go but it was a step and so it went on and on and I regret none of it!.
As I write this I’m reminded of a quote: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” (Lao Tzu) .. so so true. Your step does not have to be as big as mine, it could be going out for a five minute walk or making yourself a cup of tea or even joining my Facebook group! That’s where we will be talking about my transformation framework as it evolves and taking action is the first element.
People say they’ll try and I know or I’ve come to learn sadly that when people say they’ll try, that actually they won’t. Just bear with this; Drop a pen on the floor and try and pick it up. Have you? No, of course you haven’t. You either do or you don’t. So when you decide to take a course of action just do it .. you’ll be glad you did.
So if I do inspire you, take that first step on your transformation journey wherever it’s going to take you; to greater happiness, better health, improved sense of wellbeing and, yes, a better life!
Just do something!