Knowledge fueled by emotion equals action. Action is the ingredient that ensures results.
Action. The whole world loves to follow those who make things happen, and it rewards them well for causing waves of productive enterprise.
I stress this because today I see many people who are really sold on affirmations. And yet there is a famous saying that “faith without action serves no useful purpose.” How true! I have nothing against affirmations as a tool to create action. Repeated to reinforce a disciplined plan, affirmations can help create wonderful results. But there’s also a very thin line between faith and folly.
You see – affirmations without action can be the beginnings of self-delusion. And there is nothing worse for your well-being than self-delusion. Think about the man or woman who dreams of wealth and yet walks daily toward certain financial disaster. Or the woman who wishes for happiness and yet thinks thoughts and commits acts that lead her toward certain despair. They’re both victims of the false hope derived from affirmations without action. Why? Because words can soothe and, like a narcotic, they lull us into a state of complacency.
Remember this: TO MAKE PROGRESS YOU MUST ACTUALLY GET STARTED!
The key is to take the first step today. Whatever the project, start TODAY.
- To clear out a drawer of your newly organised desk … start today.
- Start setting your first goal… today.
- Start listening to motivational cassettes… today.
- Start your weight-reduction plan … today.
- Start calling on one tough customer a day … today.
- Start putting money in your new “investment for fortune” account … today.
- Write a long-overdue letter … today.
ANYONE CAN MAKE A START! Even an uninspired person can start reading inspiring books.
Get some momentum going on your new commitment for the good life. See how many activities you can write on your TO DO list. Begin your new commitment to live a better life. Go all out! Break away from the downward pull of gravity and negative friends. Turn on your rocket thrusters.
Prove to yourself that the waiting is over and the hoping is past — that faith and action have now taken charge.
Today is a new day. Make it a new beginning for your new life.
With discipline you will be amazed at how much progress you’ll be able to make. What have you got to lose except the guilt and fear of the past? I offer you this challenge: see how many things you can start and continue in this — the first day of your new beginning.
By Jim Rohn. Reproduced for Educational Purposes.
