Everyone agrees that initiative is beneficial. However, it seems it’s undervalued because, unfortunately, it’s not as common as could be. Initiative is a success strategy and personal quality worth cultivating. Here are some ways to do so.
Don’t wait to be told what to do: Initiative is simply taking your first step or action independently with motivation from someone else. To get what you want, you can’t afford to wait for direction from someone; use your initiative, take action proactively, learn to light your own fire and do immediately what does not need to wait.
Translate your thoughts into action: Many people have loads of good thoughts, ideas and goals, but that’s where they stay, in their heads. Start a habit of spending time to consider what the suggestions, thoughts and decisions you would look like in action and what the first step in doing those would be. Don’t wait too long turning it over and over in your mind. You may not know if your action will make a difference, but you’ll only know until you initiate and see the results.
Don’t wait for the perfect time to act: There’s never a perfect time. Starting, no matter how small and picking up momentum as you go is the way to proceed. Even restarting is necessary and making adjustments on the way. The decision to act even when the time doesn’t feel right will help you override fear, doubt and hesitation to step out.
Assign your abilities and prioritise: Many times, we don’t show initiative because we feel we don’t know how to. Examine why you don’t show initiative where you could. Just as with your thoughts, think about what you want to do and determine what ability will help you take the necessary action or identify who can team up with you to do so. You’ll be surprised what you can do if you decide to initiate.
Now take action: What one thing can you do to “initiate’’ more? n
