What is Initiative

According to Victor Hugo, initiative is doing the right thing without being told. General Lyman L. Lemnitzer stated that it is the agent which translates imagination into action.

Employees who don't make the first move or wait until they are pushed usually miss all kind of opportunities like getting promotions and career advancements. They are seen as uninitiated and lacking the drive. It is also one of the reasons why couples face relationship problems and why many people have difficulties in getting a date.

Why is it that some people are self starters and have the drive to initiate action while many wait for someone to tell them what, when and how to do things? Why do some people have the courage to act while others are laidback?

All kinds of fears, laziness and indifference are some of the reasons why many people don't take the initiative to make things happen.

When you know exactly what you are striving for, your mind is focused. Each day you will look for ways to take simple action to produce your desired result. You will tend to follow through your plans with determination. Your mind remains alert and you are more likely to recognize and seize opportunities.

The thought of taking the first step on a new venture or idea will scare you a little. The way to overcome your fear and inertia is to just go ahead in spite of your trepidation. You don't need outside approval but a willingness to act. Use your discretion and set yourself in motion. The key is to start with what you can or should do because whatever action you take will produce result. Once you begin something, you set the momentum.

Anytime is the right time to embark on your thoughts and ideas. Once the idea is fresh in your mind, do your homework and prepare yourself. Use your ingenuity and work out your plan of actions and take the necessary steps immediately. You do not have to wait for the right people or the expert advice. You can become innovative by using your own creativity and resources.

Many people see the process instead of the end result when they think of something. Because of these mental images, they are reluctant to take action as there is too much work involved. The more they dwell upon it, it becomes more difficult to start.

One of the best ways is to visualize the end result. See it in your mind's eye what you want to experience happening. Just look at the end result. Once you can see it and feel it in your mind, you will feel motivated to take action and won't be deterred by the process and the possible challenges ahead.

Don't wait around for things to happen. Become a go getter. Always know what needs done and find better ways to make things easier and faster to increase productivity. Build in the desire to accomplish things, work confidently on them and expect great things to happen. When you complete a goal, start something else. Practice the act until it becomes a habit.

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