“Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.” -Benjamin Disraeli

“There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.” -Johann von Goethe

“Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold — but so does a hard-boiled egg.” -Anon.

The missing link between inactivity and achievement is initiative. I believe the missing quality in the homogenized society that we live in is initiative. Ask any employer who is building a business and the number one quality they seek in new recruits is initiative. Having the ability to think and act.

I recall years ago having to address the off duty phone calls I received from my staff of the Hotel I managed, that were not essential. Missing lemons, staff not turning in, an individuals phone number, the list was endless. The first week-end following my staff address was free of calls but not without event. On my return to the hotel the following Monday, I discovered there had been three fire appliances called to the scene and the hotel kitchen had burnt down. Apparently my request consideration towards my free time had not enhanced my desire to build initiative in problem solving.

In order to be a visionary one must show initiative in our educational development. Ignorance is intelligence gone to seed, as is a vision without initiative. We must seek to develop a consistent plan of personal growth, which includes our educational needs. Read when sat and listen when on the move. Redeem time by making the best use of it. Motivational tapes, inspirational biographies and documentaries are great ways of enhancing our education and so is networking with fellow visionaries.

Serving someone else’s vision is a great way to develop your own.

As a coach, I am as committed to building my practice, as I am someone else’s. I provide coaching on life issues, strategic planning, vision and values along with support on a friendship level. We don’t have to have all the answers to be successful in a given field, but we do need to have a positive mental attitude and a teachable spirit.

Successful business people are generally motivated people. The prime reason for this is they have learned time is the main resource that cannot be squandered without good intent. Being successful in business generally allows us to use our time as we choose. This can provide greater leisure opportunities and more quality resources.

A great way to appreciate an improved quality of life is to spend time with those who are doing so. More resources, faster cars and bigger houses are not everyone’s idea of success. These may well follow as a result of careful planning and our responsible attitude towards initiative, however most visionaries are not driven by success they are motivated by purpose.

Here are some ways of defining where to focus your activities: