Don’t wait for something big to occur. Start where you are with what you have and that will lead you into something greater.

Don’t wait for something big to occur. Start where you are with what you have and that will lead you into something greater. – Mary Manin Morrissey

This is not my welding work. I still don’t weld this well, but I get better each time I try. Don’t wait to do something until you can do something perfectly. Do it, and learn!

What does that mean?
While there is some baggage associated with the author of today’s quote, there is also some wisdom in it, so that is where we will start.

The quote begins by asking us not to wait. In general, we humans tend to wait far too often and far too long. We wait for the right time, we wait for a sign, we wait to gather our resources or courage. All the while, time is slipping away.

The quote continues by urging us to start where we are, with what we have. It implies that waiting for everything to come together could be a long wait. We are somewhere, even if it’s not exactly where we want to be. We can do something with what we have and what we know.

The quote finishes by stating the larger things will come over time. It implies that if we get started, we will build our skills, our knowledge, and be better positioned to either take advantage of the ‘something big’ we have been waiting for, or to make ‘something big’ happen.

Why is action important?  
As I have said before, action gets things done. Without it, we are simply waiting for something (big or otherwise) to happen. And that’s exactly what the quote is urging us to not do. We have to act to get results, and that’s a simple way to learn.

Action is the key to life. Sometimes it’s a reaction to an outside action, but just sitting and waiting is inaction. Inaction doesn’t get you much, except covered in dust. Joking aside, even the act of reading, learning, or practicing is an action.

Even the smallest of steps is action. Starting towards something, even if it doesn’t seem like much, is action, and a beginning. You can build on action. You can get better, you can learn from your results, you can take more or different action. But only after you take the first steps, the first action.

Where can I apply this in my life?
You might be asking yourself, “How can I take action?” You have to know something about what you are trying to do. Take the first step. Yes, you may mangle it badly. So what. Learn from the results, and try again. If you don’t know, learn. If you don’t have the skills, learn.

As an example, I had a fair bit of experience doing automotive bodywork growing up. However, I had never welded before. But I had a project car, so I purchased a welder, and started practicing. Before long, I was getting pretty good at it, replacing floor panels and patching holes. I took action, and learned.

As another example, I had done minor mechanical work on cars before. I’d replaced shocks and brake pads/shoes and such. But I wanted to replace the suspension on my wagon. I got all the parts, and replaced the rear suspension in an afternoon. Yes, I did a dry run, and made sure all the bolts came off first.

Then it was time for the front end. That’s a bit more complex, so I had my brother, a certified mechanic, come out to help. Again, a dry run was completed first. Then it was time, and even though I had never done it before, I managed (with some help) to get it done. I took action, and I learned.

Fear is the big killer of action. Of what are you afraid? Fear of failure, or fear of success? Fear of looking foolish? Fear that you don’t know enough or don’t have the skills? We all have some level of fear. The question is will it stop us? How can you overcome your fear?

Action cures fear. Taking action helps you determine if the fear is founded or a figment of your imagination. If there is something real about it, you now have a way place to start. Learn from the results and do better on your next attempt.

It’s easy to put things off. It’s easy to wait for something big to happen first. But it is just as simple to take a small step, to take action towards a goal. In fact, that could well be the big thing you are waiting for in the first place, right?

From: Twitter, @AR_Foundation
confirmed at : http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/marymaninm120903.html
Photo by nzhamstar

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