“Never retract, never explain, never apologize; get things done and let them howl.” ~Nellie L. McClung

Charge!!!   No…not with your credit card!

As fast as life is moving lately, doesn’t it seem that you are either getting a lot done or nothing done at all?  What exactly is the secret to checking off all of the items on that to do list of yours?

The secret to action and getting things done (charging ahead) is not in the “doing,” it is in the “being.”  Focused positive thinking leads to action.  The problem most have is not being able to maintain focus long enough on what they want for it to show up in their lives.  We are too busy thinking and worrying about what is NOT showing up, what is lacking and our suffering.  Life is like a highway.  You can spend most of your time on the side of the street labeled “suffering”, which is an endless loop that brings you back to the same place no matter which way you turn; disappointment.  Or, you can spend your time on the other side of the street labeled “gratitude” where you accept what is (even the suffering that may come) and realize that no matter what turn you take there is always a lesson to greet you that moves you further along your path in a positive life direction.  Once you get the lesson that is trying to be learned and are grateful for the experience that brought the lesson, then the action you need to take makes sense.  It is clear.

Five years ago my father was dying of cancer.  He lived in Cleveland and I lived in Maryland.  I had two teenagers, a husband, a house, and a business to run.  When life hits us with a curve ball or when we have a ton of things on our plate, it is hard to know what to do first?  What is the priority?  The priority is what you SAY it is.  I said my father was my priority.  I did what I had to do (communicated with my immediate family about why I was in Cleveland so much, had back up speakers for my clients, etc.) in order to be where I wanted to be when something occurred.  Knowing your top 3 priorities at any given time is a must for right action.  Balance is not a 50/50 split of work and home time; balance is giving your energy to those things you say are important in your life right now – your priorities.

Take some time today to list your top priorities.  Also, ask yourself this question:  “If God appeared in front of you right now and told you that you could experience only ONE feeling for the rest of your life, what would it be?”  (Happy is not allowed!  Put some meat on the bone!)  For example, mine is inner peace.  Use this feeling when you need to make any decision and ask yourself, “Does this thing, event, or person (etc.) give me that feeling?”  If the answer is no, RUN!  (Just kidding!)  If the answer is yes, move forward.  If you don’t know, wait.  You will know soon.

Allow life to disappoint you and when it does, turn inward, express gratitude for the lesson it is teaching you, take a deep breath, then decide what your next action step is based on the criteria above and charge forward!  Once you understand what the lesson is, the action steps become clear.  Trust yourself that you will make the right choice.  If it is coming from inside of you and is of good intention, it is always the right choice.  You could not have a desire or thought if it was not coming from your own soul.  Trust…believe…act!

“Let us remember that within us there is a place of immense magnificence.” ~Teresa of Avila

Charging forward with inner peace,

Chris

Chris Sopa is founder and owner of Chris Sopa International, Inc. You can learn more about her at www.ChrisSopa.com. Find her at Facebook.com/ChrisSopaInternational, Twitter @ChrisSopa, LinkedIn, and Google+.