Remember that book you read that was “life changing?”
How about that great idea that you had while driving home that day? Yea, that one, the one that had you hyped up all week certain it would change your future.
What about that speaker who had you on the edge of your seat ?
And let’s not forget those new year resolutions, how are those working out for you?
Getting fired up is easy. Moving from fired up to action takes work. That book or blog post may have laid out the entire plan but you have to actually implement it. Unfortunately, it is the transition from fired up to sustained motivation to act where we fall off track.
The farther out you get from that original spark the easier it is to justify why it won’t work. Pretty soon, you reason that it wasn’t such a great idea/plan/goal and you move on until the next spark.
Why not change that pattern? When you read, see, or hear that thing that gets you going, act on it. Put the information to work one step at a time. Don’t just take notes and tuck it away, do it. Or you could do nothing and continue to get the same results you have today.
Inaction extinguishes the flame. Commitment keeps it burning. What will you choose this week?
karen says
Annie honey, I’m so glad that you are renewed! We all hit those points where we just run out of steam but it seems when we can’t take another step, God is right there with exactly what we need. You are doing great and if you ever feel a little droopy, just yell and I’ll be right there to help! Big hugs!!!
Annie says
The last half of this week my fire was almost out. But I am more determined than ever to stay committed to my health resolution and not move backwards. The pity party is OVER!!!! And I am moving forward!!!!!
.-= Annie´s last blog ..Gaining From Loss =-.
karen says
Annie, lol! Amen to commitment! Sometimes it is only sheer will that keeps me on track. I don’t always feel like a lot of things and like you on these rainy, grey days I long to lounge in my p.j’s and watch TV but I choose to rise above and keep going. 🙂
karen says
Hi Shari! I am so glad that this helped. You are a creative dynamo and creatives are prone to burning fast and bright and then not so much, lol! However, we can change that! Let us continue to encourage one another, it really does help!
Shari Smothers says
Hi Karen:
I appreciate this post so much! I have had the experiences of moving so slowly that things tended to fizzle out. My focus these days is to curb that behavior. I especially love the closing question because it’s the perfect reminder that we CHOOSE to be active or let things go.
Thanks, as always.
.-= Shari Smothers´s last blog ..benefit of learning seemingly unrelated things =-.
Annie says
I choose commitment especially this week, with the transition of wintery wet moving into warm spring, which makes me want to stay in bed longer instead of getting up and moving. Although after I exercise, I feel much better 🙂
.-= Annie´s last blog ..Gentle Man, Gent of Sorrow, Gently Hopeful =-.
Andrew Heaton says
Karen,
I don’t remember the quote exactly (or who said it), but I’m fairly certain that it was somewhere along those lines and it’s certainly right on the mark.
Let me stress, I don’t use the quote to in any way criticise those whose personality happens to be spontaneous and impulsive and who are prone to temporary excitement but who lack follow-through. Instead, I mean to emphasise the point about the importance of follow through and of consist action regardless of fluctuations in our level of enthusiasm.
.-= Andrew Heaton´s last blog ..Cause relating marketing – Why Pepsi’s approach is so good =-.
Karen Swim says
Friar, I’m hugging you for being “nice.” 🙂
Karen Swim says
Aaron, I agree with you by nature entrepreneurs tend to be quick to embrace new ideas. While that is a good trait, it can also be your downfall if all you do is embrace and never act!
Karen Swim says
Ha! There are days Keith that I am like the little engine that couldn’t. 🙂 And no thanks needed for the comment, you earned it!
Keith Davis says
Can’t believe that you ever run out of steam Karen.
Many thanks for leaving a comment on my blog.
Aaron Hoos says
You give a good reminder, Karen: Our passion helps to fuel our accomplishments and it needs to be nurtured and fed.
One of the challenges I see a lot of entrepreneurs have is that they embrace new ideas but rarely take action. While ideas are good, you are right in pointing out that they are just ideas — it’s the action that makes us successful with that idea!
.-= Aaron Hoos´s last blog ..Exploring the best place to start marketing your online business =-.
Friar says
I think I mentionned this once before…but I have a theme word too. (Only it isnt’ printable on “nice” blogs like this one.)
Despite that, my Word-of-the-Year seems to be describing thingspretty accurately, so far
Karen Swim says
Hi Keith! You hit the nail on the head. It’s not just one action but continued action. And I fully admit to sometimes running out of steam. Thank you for the motivation! I’ll gladly return the favor anytime you need it! 🙂
Karen Swim says
Hi Andrew, wow, I had not heard that quote but I love it. I did not think of this in the context of character, what a profound insight. You are right, if we are always excited but never “do” it certainly makes a statement about who we are at the core. Interesting point to ponder and do a bit of self reflection. Wow, thanks Andrew!
Keith Davis says
Hi Karen
It has to be action.
Running a blog demands action.
Writing a post is just the beginning… you have to get out there and promote it. Let the world know about your masterpiece.
This post has topped up my motivation. I’ll be back when it starts to run low. LOL
.-= Keith Davis´s last blog ..Practice, practice, practice… =-.
Andrew says
Karen,
I once heard it said that ‘the integrity of a man (or woman) is measured by the extent to which he (or she) carries out resolutions – long after the emotion in which the original resolution was made has passed.’
Excitement is great, but our consistent action is what speaks about our character. Anyone can get excited, but few can sustain the momentum when the going gets tough and concrete action is required.
.-= Andrew´s last blog ..Blackmail is criminal, not capitalist =-.
Karen Swim says
Wendi,
I am inspired by you! I don’t make resolutions but I have been intrigued by the idea of a theme word. Keep up the great work Wendi and keep sharing for you really do keep the flames burning for us all!
.-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..Has Your Fire Fizzled? =-.
Karen Swim says
Hi Conor,
You are not alone! Several months ago, I stopped downloading. I unsubscribed from a ton of lists and started to read and either act on or throw out what was already in front of me.
“It’s harder with new ideas as they often command so much attention at first. It’s like the dog that wants a walk and looks at you with big eyes from across the room when you say no”
Lol! Oh yes, and avoid looking the new ideas in the eye or you’re sunk! 🙂
.-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..Has Your Fire Fizzled? =-.
Karen Swim says
Joanna, I can perfectly relate to that problem! Your idea of going by instinct is a good one. I believe that we are moved or inspired by many things but should only act on the ones that sink a bit deeper that seem to grasp us in a way that will not let go or that just simply feels right. It would be impossible to put into action everything we wanted to do but those things that call to us that is where the magic happens. 🙂 xo
.-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..Has Your Fire Fizzled? =-.
Karen Swim says
Meryl, I hope you feel better soon! When our bodies force us to slow down we often rebel against the edict, but I know that when you recover you’ll be even more fired up.
.-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..Has Your Fire Fizzled? =-.
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations says
Karen,
I think this is very common, especially this time of the year when people get disillusioned with resolutions.
I am having very good success with my word of the year. keeping that one word in front of me everywhere, at my blog, in my journal, in front of me at work, in my kitchen when I am cooking or planning my recipes is helping a lot. Its always at the forefront. Nagging at me even asking the question…Are you living inspired? are you picking out inspired recipes? or are you settling for the same old things…are you reaching out to try something new? taking new questions? Looking at the bigger picture or are you sitting back taking life for granted…
So far, that one word hasn’t let me settle or give up.
.-= Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations´s last blog ..For the Love of Rain =-.
Conor says
Hi Karen,
Your words really resonate with me. Sometimes I just have to stop reading and start implementing. Information overload (even great information) is just distracting.
It’s harder with new ideas as they often command so much attention at first. It’s like the dog that wants a walk and looks at you with big eyes from across the room when you say no 🙂
This year I choose to commit and finish things. So many half written poems and songs, it’s time to put in the long hours and let them breathe.
Great post as always 🙂
Conor
Joanna Young says
Hmm, my problem is I have so many bright ideas I really think some of them are better fizzling out again! The challenge is working out which ones to hold on to, to work on, to keep adding fuel to the fire, and which ones to let die.
I’m trying to go more by instinct and heart this time round and see if that helps work out where my energies should best go… so I don’t fizzle out along with my ideas!
.-= Joanna Young´s last blog ..7 Ways to Stay Connected to Confident Writing =-.
Meryl K Evans says
I love books that urge me to do something right as I read them.
No ideas while driving home — since I work in a home office. When I do drive, I have the kids in the car to add too much noise to my thinking 🙂
I tried to start free writing every day, but then got too busy to keep it up.
Right now, my flames barely flicker due to health issues getting in the way of work. It does make for a frustrating time. I know they’ll return.
.-= Meryl K Evans´s last blog ..Guest Post: The Supplies You Need to Build a Writer’s Platform =-.