Turning Ideas into Action

September 19, 2008
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Do you have trouble following through on your great ideas? Yesterday I attended the Flying Solo Live conference and got some new ideas for my business. I especially liked one of the talks on networking (with people, not computers). The speaker gave several keys for successful networking: be the first to arrive at events, stand in a way that invites people into your conversation, have your introduction prepared ahead of time, etc. I thought to myself ‘I’m going to try that.  But, will I or will I just fall back into old habits?

There is a key step between idea and action, or what Prochaska and DiClemente (1982) would call the Preparation stage of change. In preparation, I might be ready to make a change to my behaviour, but I am unclear about my plans or commitment. In other words, I haven’t thought about the steps I need to take.

  • What specifically am I going to do differently?
  • When is my next opportunity to practise?
  • What is the first thing I need to do?

Ok, I hadn’t really thought about all of that. So, here it is:

On Saturday, I am going to a training session that starts at 9:00. I am going to arrive before 8:45. On the way there, I am going to rehearse how I will explain my business. Having that rehearsed will mean that my attention is totally focussed on the people I meet.

Spending more time in preparation is like a stepping stone your pathway between contemplation and action.

Filed under: Change, Personal Development
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