I just got back from running which led me to think about running quotes. Hands down, one of the most famous is Nike’s slogan of “Just Do It”. If you think about it, that one slogan makes so much sense and not just in running or exercise but, in everything.

To accomplish anything in life, you have to “Just Do It”. It is a matter of just setting a goal to strive for and getting to work on it. You can sit around and talk a lot about it. You can just dream about it. You can plan out what you are going to do. But, until you “Just Do It” and actually take action, nothing happens.

When we dream or plan endlessly, we are procrastinating and making excuses for our inaction. Sure, we try to convince ourselves that planning or dreaming is taking action. But, it’s not, it is only planning or dreaming. Don’t get me wrong, both of those activities are important but, they are not taking action. Too often we pause at the planning stage trying to convince ourselves that we are doing something. We are comfortable at this point and don’t want to move out of that comfort zone.

So what do we do to take that first step? “Just Do It” But how?

1. Don’t accept excuses – Excuses are for losers. Don’t allow yourself to make excuses. If you catch yourself making excuses, call yourself on it, point it out for what it is and realize that you are only using it to avoid your action or to justify your inaction. If you are trying to convince yourself of reasons why you can’t do something, turn it around and give positive reasons why you can and should do it.
2. Take the first step – In running the hardest step is the step out the door. That first step is the most difficult because you have to convince yourself to go. The same holds true in anything that you are working on, the hardest step or action is the first one. You have to convince yourself that you want to do it and that it is the right thing. Once you take that first step, each step there after is easier because you have motivation.
3. Set a goal and a deadline – Someone once said that a goal is a dream with a deadline. if you were to set yourself a goal, something to strive for and put a deadline on it, when you are going to finish; you will find that you can reach that goal much easier. You may even find that it is helpful to attach a consequence if you don’t complete it or complete it in time.
4. Don’t give up now – Once you have momentum, don’t lose it. You may find that your mind is trying to convince you of reasons why you can’t complete something, ignore what your mind is trying to tell you and keep pushing through.
5. What’s next? – As you make your way through the goal you have set, look to the future. See the big picture and where you want to head next. Use your momentum and set your next goal and begin striving for it.

So how do you “Just Do It”?