Making the Transition from Wanting to Doing
Lately, I’ve been noting how much of our lives is spent wishing we could do something, wanting to do something, and hoping that we can do something… but having difficulty putting plans into effect.
Why does it seem like such an uphill battle to make this transition?
And how can we make the transition into action with a greater level of consciousness?
Let’s take a look at a few cases that are representative of the norm so that we can have a better idea of what we’re up against.
- There is some work that I am aware I want to do (or maybe that I have the sense that I ought to complete), yet I continue to put it off. There is some aspect of it that causes me to feel unsure, and because of the discomfort that it causes, I continue to put it off. When I eventually get around to doing it, I find that it is a lot less difficult than I had anticipated it being, and I wonder why I put it off for so long.
- There is a project that I’ve had on my mind for quite some time, but I keep convincing myself that now is not the appropriate moment to get started on it. I’m not ready yet, or things are just too hectic right now. Even when I discover that I have more room, I still find other excuses not to do it. This is mostly due to the fact that I am unsure of how to accomplish it and that doing so would require me to go outside of my comfort zone.
- I have been seeking support, and I want to hire a coach or create a program that would provide it for me, but I’m having second thoughts about doing either of those things. I am unsure about whether or not I will perform well, whether or not I will be a suitable fit for the program, or whether or not I will do what is necessary to get the most benefit from it. As a result, I continue to wallow in doubt and delay making the commitment.
You may be able to figure out what is preventing us from moving forward: doubt, the unknown, and fear.
We are prevented from crossing the threshold into action because of our anxiety and uncertainty about the unknown.
It is in the arena of doing that we learn anything, and it is there that we will obtain the answers that we are seeking for. The irony of the situation is that frequently the most effective thing we can do in times of uncertainty is to step into action.
The question now is: how can we move forward from a place of doubt, hesitation, and avoidance… into action?
- Intention. Make it your goal to go forward instead of being stagnant, and set your purpose to act.
- Make a turn toward it. Take note of the feelings of unpredictability and anxiety that are circulating through your body. If it arises, are you able to offer it love while being present in the moment with it?
- Inquire about your deepest desires. Do you have a strong emotional connection to this topic? Is it possible that this may have any significance for you in the way it reflects something? Are you sure you want this?
- Start with the tiniest possible step. We usually seem to forget that taking the tiniest first step may sometimes be enough to start things moving in the right direction.
- Find the fun in life. In what ways does this activity make you feel alive, joyful, amazing, or sacred?
The more we put effort into something, the more proficient we will become at it. Not only does being active make us feel good, but it also breaks up a significant portion of the stagnation that exists in our lives.
