Action Exactly how much action is necessary to create success?

“The universe doesn’t give you what you ask for with your thoughts; it gives you what you demand with your actions.”
-Dr. Steve Maraboli

Too many of us are looking for the secret shortcut, and unfortunately in almost every instance, there is no shortcut. The more action you take, the better your chances are of getting a break. Disciplined, consistent, persistent, and focused actions are more of a determining factor in creating success than any other combination of things. Understanding how to calculate, and then take the correct amount of action, is more important than your concept, idea, invention, or business plan.

“Action is the foundational key to all success.”
-Pablo Picasso

Most people fail only because they are operating within the wrong level of action. To simplify the understanding of action (or lack thereof), it can be broken down into four basic categories:

1. Do nothing.
2. Retreat.
3. Take normal levels of action.
4. Take massive action.

Bluntly put, the first two levels of action are the basis for failure. The third level of action creates a “let’s just get by” mentality. The fourth level of massive action results in success that only high achievers can attain.
Taking massive action means making somewhat unreasonable (and possibly unpopular) choices, and then following up with even more action. This level of action will be considered by some to be borderline insane, well beyond the social norm – and it will always create new problems. But remember, if you are not creating new problems, then you are not taking enough action. It’s that simple, although many avoid it; action creates issues, issues create problems, solving problems creates opportunities, and harnessing opportunities creates growth.

“For purpose of action, nothing is more useful than narrowness of thought combined with the energy of will.”
-Henri Frederic Amiel

“The secret of success is the consistency to pursue.”
-Harry F. Banks

“The most drastic and usually the most effective remedy for fear is action.”
-William Burnham

“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.”
-Tony Robbins