The Career Alchemist: Transforming Your Professional Life in 2025

Part 6: Initiation Over Intention - The Power of Taking Action

Welcome to Part Six of the 'The Career Alchemist: Transforming Your Professional Life in 2025' Series.

We've discussed the importance of setting intentions, defining your purpose, and in the last post, taking control of your career. Now, we arrive at a crucial step: turning those intentions into reality through action. It’s not enough to dream, to plan, or to set goals. Without taking the necessary steps, your intentions remain just that – intentions. This post emphasizes the critical need for initiation – taking the first step and moving forward – to truly manifest your desires.

The Pitfall of Procrastination

Many people have grand intentions, clear goals, and well-laid plans but struggle to take the necessary action to see them through. This often leads to procrastination, where the desire for action is replaced with excuses, delays, and a feeling of being stuck. It is important to recognize that:

• Intention Without Action is Futile: Having good intentions is not enough. Without taking action to begin, your intentions are unlikely to ever come to fruition.

• Procrastination is a Thief: Procrastination robs you of your power, and it is a major obstacle that prevents many people from achieving their dreams.

• Getting Worse is Automatic: According to various sources, digression only requires neglect. Getting worse is automatic, all you have to do is nothing.

• Perfectionism is a Trap: Waiting for the perfect moment to start can also be a form of procrastination. There is never a perfect time to begin.

• Anxiety is the Thief of Dreams: Anxiety is the thief of your dreams. It is important to be aware of how anxiety can cause you to avoid taking action.

The Power of Initiation

Initiation is the act of starting, of taking that first step towards your goal. It is the bridge between intention and achievement, and it is absolutely essential to realize your vision. Here are a few concepts that are key to the power of initiation:

• God Did Something: According to Biblical sources, God did not just have an intention, He did something about it and began to create the heavens and the earth. This principle applies to our own lives as well; we must do something about our intentions.

• Start Now: Don’t wait for the perfect time to begin; start now. You may spend too much time getting ready to get ready, because by the time you’re ready, the train has already left the station.

• Action Over Preparation: While preparation is important, it can also become a form of procrastination if it prevents you from taking action. This is why you need to follow your intentions with action.

• Disruption Follows Intention: According to a famous business mentor, Myron Golden, 'disruption always follows intention'. Instead of being discouraged by disruption, understand that it is a necessary element that makes us strong enough to stay when we arrive at our goal.

• Perturbation: One source discusses a concept called “perturbation” which suggests that the pursuit of things for yourself actually creates a positive effect on the lives of others.

Don’t wait for the perfect time to begin; start now. You may spend too much time getting ready to get ready, because by the time you’re ready, the train has already left the station.

Actionable Advice: Overcoming Procrastination and Taking the First Step

To move past procrastination and start taking action, consider the following strategies:

• Recognize and Combat Anxiety: Understand that what you may be experiencing as fear is actually anxiety, which is caution over a future imagined danger. Instead of giving in to anxiety, use it as a signal that you should focus on the positive aspects of your goal.

• Focus on the Positive: When you focus on the positive aspects of your goal you are able to manufacture the belief of faith, which produces the feeling of anticipation in your heart, which then produces the function of power in your hands.

• Break Down Big Goals: Large goals can often feel overwhelming and cause paralysis. A good habit is to break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps. Each step should be small enough that it feels achievable and non-intimidating.

• Create Deadlines: Setting deadlines for each step will help you stay on track and prevent procrastination. A goal is just a dream with a deadline. Make sure that each small step has a deadline, as well as the overall goal.

• Initiate with the Top Action: Identify the top action that can move you closer to your goal and then take action on it. Don’t get bogged down in distractions; complete the most important step first before moving on to the next thing.

• Don't Wait For a Feeling: Don't wait to feel like doing it; do the thing anyway.

• Embrace Imperfection: You don’t have to be perfect when you start. It’s more important to get started than to wait until you have all of the answers.

• Remember Your "Why": Connect with the reasons behind your intentions. Why is this goal important to you? What will achieving it mean to you? Use this to fuel your motivation and overcome procrastination.

• Use the Power of Your Future Self: Consider the advice from Part 3 of the Series that you should write a letter to yourself from your future self, as this person can guide you to act in the present.

Conclusion

Intention without action is just a dream. To realize your full potential, you must move past procrastination and embrace the power of initiation. By taking the first step, breaking down your goals, and overcoming the fear of failure, you can move towards your desired future. Remember, you are not meant to simply dream about your goals; you are meant to bring them into reality. Take action today and begin your journey to success.