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Has someone ever told you that they were going to do something and then did it? Did it surprise you?
In today’s society, “do nothing” is the default and taking action comes as a surprise. Let’s pretend your friend told you that she wanted to start a YouTube channel for cooking. Objectively speaking, the barriers to entry are quite low. The only equipment she needs is a computer, a kitchen, a recording device, and a YouTube account. However, a few weeks later she shows you her YouTube channel and it really surprises you that she actually did it. Why?
How to Do Things with Confidence
Modern-day marketing and advertising campaigns have convinced the masses that in order to get something done, an “expert” is needed. This mindset renders the individual useless and forces him/her to seek “professional help” whenever a task is unfamiliar. Since the introduction of television in the 1950s, and subsequently, mass marketing, people have outsourced an ever-increasing portion of their life.
Now, in 2018, we are stuck with what I call the “Do Nothing” default and ironically, in this day and age, we also have access to more information than ever before. You are capable of so much more than what society tells you! If you don’t know how to do something, look it up on Google or YouTube. There is absolutely no need to outsource small, unfamiliar tasks to a so-called “expert”.
What If I Fail?
“What if I fail?” is one of the most frequent excuses I hear as to why someone didn’t attempt something on his/her own. Well, what if you do fail? Chances are, the ramifications of your failure will not have a substantial or lasting impact on your life. Failing might lose you some time and warrant a “re-do”, but this is all part of the learning process. By the end, you’ll have added a new skill to your toolbox and prepared yourself to crush similar tasks in the future.
Now, please don’t go and try to perform open-heart surgery on your spouse in the kitchen. That is NOT the type of task I’m talking about. There are certainly a number of tasks that warrant an expert, especially tasks that involve slicing open a human body. The types of tasks I want you to tackle are things like: starting a small business, filing your taxes, managing your investment accounts, creating a workout routine, changing your oil, cooking meals, and hundreds of other feasible tasks! It will surprise you how much you can accomplish after reading a few Google articles and watching YouTube tutorials.
Learn How to Do Things and Take Action
If you’re reading this post, I know that you’re someone who strives for self-improvement. Right now, take one small step toward trying something you’ve never done before and don’t look back. I can guarantee that you won’t regret it. The act of doing or creating is one of the most satisfying pleasures in life.
You might start by opening a Word document and writing a couple sentences about that blog you’ve always wanted to start. Maybe you can get those dumbbells out of the cellar and bring them into your bedroom to motivate your morning workout. Go get those old pictures from the attic to start your scrapbook. Even the smallest snowball can cause an avalanche. Once you get things rolling, it’s almost hard to stop.
Share Your Story
If this post inspired you to try something new, please share your story in the comments below! Progress is contagious and if we all work together we can become the best versions of ourselves. I hope that days, weeks, months, or even years after reading this post, you transformed from a “do nothing” into a “do something”. Watch as your friends and family are astounded by the feats you accomplish and challenge them to do something as well!
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Note: I am not a financial advisor or fiduciary. All of the information presented in this article reflects my opinion. I am not liable for any financial losses incurred related to this content. My content is always written with the readers’ best interests in mind. I believe that my content is helpful and well-researched, but it is not professional financial advice. For more information, read our Privacy Policy.
Amen!