When I think of everything I would like to accomplish, this year and in my life as a whole, most of it involves me biting the bullet and just going for it. It's not that I can't do things, or don't have the drive or resources or wherewithal....I just that I don't do things, for unfathomable and rubbish reasons. Too tired, too busy, too (and so it goes).
2009 was a huge improvement on 2008. But there is still work to be done.
Tom originally suggested I use the word "progress" as my aim for 2010, and I liked that - because I definitely want to be moving forward, in many areas of my life - but the more I thought about it, the more the word "action" just kept jumping around in my head. And then I read this:
“Action is the foundational key to all success.” - Pablo Picasso
and this:
"Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living." - Anais Nin
Oh yes. Oh yes.
So, what does ACTION mean for me?
Action means contacting interviewees for my next Tumbler articles.
Action means going to the library and writing on Saturdays, instead of going to the King's Road.
Action means going for a run or doing yoga instead of tucking into the reserves of Christmas chocolate and watching Come Dine With Me for two hours (CDWM is TV crack by the way).
Action means having a positive and confident attitude instead of a defeatist one.
Action means getting up earlier and walking to work instead of relying so much on the tube.
Action means writing as much of my novel as I can.
Action means revamping this blog.
Action means ironing my clothes.
Action means submitting for Open Arts Cafe.
Action means applying for an Arvon course.
Action means realising what is worth fighting for, and what is not.
Action means thinking a bit more about the future.
Action means reading more.
Action means doing what I say I will do.
Action means uncovering and unleashing my full potential.
Action means no longer saying yes when I really mean "no thanks".
Action means being strong.
Action means discipline, and being accountable.
Action means choosing to see the positive.
Action means following up and following through, on everything.
Action means realistic expectations, and meeting them.
Action means decluttering.
Action means getting organised, responsible and socially useful.
Action means getting ideas out of my head and into the world.
Action means being the best writer, and the best person, I can be.
Photo taken on Christmas Day, at the Tate BritainAnd guess what? I bit the bullet last night and did the first thing on the list. And now I have two interviews lined up and ready to go.
This feels really good.
Here's to a year full of ACTION!
“Only the weak blame parents, their race, their times, their lack of good fortunes or the quirks of fate. Everyone has within them the power to say, “This I am today, that I shall become tomorrow.” The wish, however, must be implemented”. - louis l’amour
This is fantastic. Here's to a year of action!!
ReplyDeleteFor you anyway. Sometimes I think I could do with telling myself my word is inaction! I do far far to much ... if only there was a way of amalgamating our characteristics and finding healthy balance.
Good luck with it - this is going to be an ey-opening year. I just know it!
Brilliant post!
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more with your choice of word. 'Action' it is. Go, do, achieve.
Best wishes to you for your 2010 activities. I sense magic in the air... :)
PS: Thank you for the comment on my snowy blog! xx
I love your word! You're going to go far, I know it!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite quotes about action is by Jules Renard:
'Everything you want is out there waiting for you to ask. Everything you want also wants you. But you have to take action to get it.'
Wishing you an inspired 2010!
..and thanks for your comment on my blog too :-)
What a great word! To a 2010 full of action! :)
ReplyDeletebrilliant word for 2010!
ReplyDeletepowerful and strong. LOVE it.
Great post! So many of us "know" what we could be doing to lead the kind of life we want to live, it's the "action" part that we need to get going.
ReplyDeleteI really like the work of Tony Robbins. Some might think the "fromage factor" is a bit high, but I think he really hits the nail on the head with his insights as to why so many of us don't reach our potential. Here are a few quotes of his that I like to look at when I am trying to move forward with something:
"Personal power is the ability to take action."
"The most important thing you can do to achieve your goals is to make sure that as soon as you set them, you immediately begin to create momentum. The most important rules that I ever adopted to help me in achieving my goals were those I learned from a very successful man who taught me to first write down the goal, and then to never leave the site of setting a goal without first taking some form of positive action toward its attainment."
"Success comes from taking the initiative and following up... persisting... eloquently expressing the depth of your love. What simple action could you take today to produce a new momentum toward success in your life?"
"You see, in life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually do what they know. Knowing is not enough! You must take action."
"A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided."
(sorry this comment is a bit long! and no I don't work for TR, I'm just a fan, LOL)
Fab post!
ReplyDeleteYou really ARE Queen-Of-Lists!
...although I glazed over at the mention of CDWM... and am now in my Happy Place!
I think so many people just don't do anything, and not because they can't either. Great word hon and it'll help you focus too. When you're interested in so many things, we can get caught up in the organising of it all that we never actually do them. Go you, 2010 is going to be a fabulous year! x
ReplyDeleteI can not begin to tell you how much I love you and your drive and your brilliant zeal.
ReplyDeleteI know that this year will be utterly tremendous for you - you're already achieving the most stupendous things. I am so proud of you, my darling. Congratulations on this post. What a beginning!
xxx
goodjob!........................................
ReplyDeleteMind if I share in your "action"...? ;)
ReplyDeleteHere's to us and every good thing, dear Phil!
xo
Thank you everyone!!! I have been implementing a few of these action points this last week and it feels wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! Can't wait to read about all the actions you take :)
ReplyDeleteReady... action!!! (like they say before the shoot a movie! right? or do they only do that in the movies when they're acting like they're making a movie... haha not sure. but either way!)
I need some of this too!! Action, being active, is a great great motto for 2010.
ReplyDeleteSaskia xx
PS what a great photo of the tate!!
Keep it up and you will be unstoppable!
ReplyDeletethat's a brilliant start to the year!
ReplyDeleteHere's to action! I agree! This is the year to DO. Loved this entry.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your sweet comments and encouragement! I'm very committed to making things happen this year! xx
ReplyDeletei first read this post months ago and its really been something that has stuck with me. especially in terms of my fitness and being more truthful to myself emotionally. so thank you. and congrats on your engagement - ive been reading you for a few years and i just think youre amazing!
ReplyDelete