Tag Archives: Action

Our character is built when we do what we said we’d do

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“Our character is built when we do what we said we’d do — Despite how we feel.”

—Rohan Rajiv, author of A Learning a Day

Image from Unsplash by Edgar Chaparro

It’s easy to keep promises when energy is high and circumstances are favorable.

But true character emerges in the quiet moments when no one is watching — when fatigue whispers excuses or fear suggests retreat.

Integrity lives in the decision to honor your word anyway.

Each small act of follow-through lays another brick in the foundation of trust others place in us, and the trust we place in ourselves.

Character is not sculpted in grand gestures, but in the ordinary consistent choices to be faithful to commitments. Feelings fade, discipline endures and character — our most valued currency — takes root.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life right now could following through — despite how you feel — strengthen your character and your confidence?

Choose one commitment today — big or small — and keep it.

Notice how honoring your word strengthens who you are and who you are becoming.

 

There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path

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“There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.”

—Morpheus, in The Matrix

Image from Unsplash by Emma Simpson

Our quote today — from Morpheus in The Matrix — reminds us that understanding what needs to be done is not the same as actually doing it.

In life, we often gather knowledge, read books, and plan our journeys, but true growth comes from action.

Walking the path means embracing challenges, making mistakes, and learning through experience. It’s about courage and commitment, not just intention.

Whether it’s improving your health, growing your business, or deepening relationships, real change happens when you step forward and live your values.

Don’t just know your path — walk it, one step at a time, and watch your life blossom along your way.

EXERCISE:

In what ways does today’s quote challenge your approach to overcoming obstacles?

How can and will you use this insight to stay motivated and in action during difficult times?

The past is a teacher not a judge

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“The past is a teacher, not a judge. Your next move matters more than your last mistake.”

—Shane Parrish, Author of the Farnum Street Blog

Image from Unsplash by Kyle Glenn

Today’s quote hits home with my coaching philosophy.

Too often, we let past mistakes define us, replaying them like a harsh judge’s verdict. But what if we viewed the past as a wise teacher instead?

Each mistake becomes a lesson, not a life sentence. Growth happens when we extract insights and apply them moving forward.

It’s our next move that holds the real power.

It’s not about erasing errors, but about learning and choosing better. Let your past inform you not imprison you.

Your future is shaped by your actions, not by the echoes of yesterday.

EXERCISE:

How can the lessons of the past carry you forward? How can your next steps reflect this newfound wisdom?

Stress and worry tend to be higher before you act

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“Stress and worry tend to be higher before you act. Without action, all you can do is worry. Once you begin fear shrinks as you start to influence the outcome.”

—James Clear, American Writer

Image from Unsplash by Tim Gout

Stress and worry often feel overwhelming before we take action. Our minds actually amplify fear when we’re stuck in inaction.

The moment we take the first step — even if it’s small — we reclaim a sense of control.

Acton breaks the cycle of worry and turns anxiety into momentum.

Every bit of progress reduces uncertainty and empowers us to handle most challenges.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you shift your focus from imagined negative outcomes to concrete tasks you can influence?

How would visualizing more positive outcomes help you summon the courage to take the critical first steps to build your confidence and momentum to keep going?

You can’t leave a footprint that lasts if you’re always walking on tiptoes

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“You can’t leave a footprint that lasts if you’re always walking on tiptoes.”

—Marion Blakely, President and CEO for the Rolls Royce of America

Image from Unsplash by Khadeeja Yasser

Where are you trying to make your mark on the world?

Just like one of those rubber stamps that have begun to run out of ink, our ongoing efforts to accomplish things of note are often too light to leave the lasting imprint we want.

Where are you tip-toeing around in your life, reluctant to take a firm stand on what you value and believe? How have these modest efforts made only minimal impressions that are easily washed away with time?

EXERCISE:

Whether it’s through great force or repeated actions over time, what will it take for you to make the dents in the universe you deeply desire?

Examining our fears can help soften them

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Examining our fears can help soften them. Taking action can eliminate them.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Photo Boards

What is your relationship with fear?

How often do you experience it?

What are some examples where you’ve been paralyzed by its grip?

Consider times when you faced these roadblocks and acted anyway.

How did you soften or eliminate some of these barriers through thoughtful examination and courageous effort?

EXERCISE:

What’s possible for your life on the other side of your fears?

How could you examine them more closely to see that many are only offering False Evidence that Appears Real (FEAR)?

“Trust is earned when actions meet words.”

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“Trust is earned when actions meet words.”

—attributed to a Chris Butler

Image from Unsplash by Ronda Dorsey

When I choose a quote for this blog I use a variety of criteria.

I always look for a message that strikes a chord with me, related to living a meaningful life.

A second thing I look for is a message that isn’t too wordy. Usually, a sentence or two is the goal.

A third factor is if the quote is catchy and has a rhyming component. If the message isn’t memorable, how can it provide the stickiness to have its wisdom stick beyond the initial reading?

EXERCISE:

How can and will you apply the rhyming words of today’s quote to build greater trust through your actions in your various communities?

If you have an extra minute, please reply to this post with one of your own favorite rhyming quotes.

I’ve got some advice for the young

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“I’ve got some advice for the young. If you’ve got anything you really want to do, don’t wait until you’re 93.”

—Charlie Munger, late philanthropist and Vice-Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway

Image from Amazon

My wife and I are snowbirds, spending around three months of the year in Florida. In our community there, we are members of various clubs and engage in numerous activities to keep that youthful pep in our steps.

A few weeks ago, we took a day trip to Fort Myers with about 35 other seniors.

Along with the 2½ hour bus ride, our excursion included a delicious buffet lunch and a fantastic production of the Carole King musical, Beautiful.

Although many of our bus mates were moving a bit slower than in years past, they clearly weren’t waiting to seek and find more beautiful things about life.

EXERCISE:

Regardless of your age, where in your life are you waiting for “some day” to do the things you want?

As Sam Horn’s book title declares: Someday is Not a Day of the Week.

Friday Review: Action

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Friday Review: Action

How often, and how quickly, do you take action? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Without jumping off its perch, the bird would never fly.”

 

 

 

“You cannot talk your way out of something you behaved yourself into.”

 

 

 

 

“Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds, you can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds.”

 

 

 

 

 

“What small step can you take today that will put you on the path toward something wonderful?”

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“What small step can you take today that will put you on the path toward something wonderful?”

—James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits

Image from Unsplash by Hayley Murray

Each morning I take a three mile walk with friends from my neighborhood. Our time together usually involves discussing current events, our lives, and our various interests.

We unconsciously take the same 8/10ths of a mile circuit walking in a counter-clockwise direction.

Although we sometime comment on the state of our landscaping and repairs being made by our neighbors, the path we take is unremarkable, with the same inclines and curves we never seem to notice.

The other day one of our fearless leaders dragged the rest of us outside our development to visit a local park which provided a nice change of pace to the path we usually take.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life are you going in circles and not noticing anything particularly wonderful?

In what ways can you step off this path to investigate aspect of your world previously unexplored?