You can make a lot of goals, plan out your day, and have plenty of ideas rolling through your mind. And many of them may be incredible for success. But it doesn’t mean much without taking action to make them happen.

Otherwise, all of these hopes and plans you have will sit on the whiteboard until someone happens by and wipes it clean.

You can’t simply sit back and hope success lands in your lap. And this is true no matter the situation.

Want to find true love? He or she isn’t going to simply walk up to your door.

Looking for that awesome career in blogging, freelance writing, or becoming a novelist? The content won’t write itself, I’m sad to say.

Want to be a game developer? Playing and developing are two different plans of action.

It Takes Motivation, Determination, and Perseverance

I have plenty of good ideas that would benefit my career path greatly. However, I lack three fundamental elements to spearhead the action it takes for success.

Well, that and the fact that I forget a lot…which is why I started jotting EVERYTHING down in Asana.

Aside from my memory problems, though, three elements that promote success include motivation, determination, and perseverance. Taking action to rectify these things leads to a plethora of goodness.

Because without these elements, being successful is far more difficult.

Motivation

The hardest part for many, myself included, is finding the motivation to take those first few steps. Some people can just get up and get going. Others need some kind of kickstart.

Regardless, motivation is the first element for taking action.

You need to find what gets your motor running for the task ahead. For me, it’s looking at data, listening to the right playlist, or the simple realization that things aren’t going to happen on their own.

I need to make them happen.

Determination

Determination and motivation often work in tandem. A determined mind can force motivation to move. And motivation to get going can fuel determination to succeed.

It’s a bit of a symbiotic relationship.

But, it’s something you have to be completely honest with yourself. I’ve heard several people tell me how they’re determined to be a successful writer, gamer, video creator, or actor but lack the motivation to actually put in the effort.

If you don’t put in the effort, then are you really that determined to be successful? Not really. You’re more determined to have a dream.

Today, determine what you’re going to do to reach those levels of success you long for.

Perseverance

Most things that are worthwhile are never easy. Depending on the task, it could be insanely difficult or could take a long time to succeed.

Perseverance is the action of still pushing forward regardless of the negative outcomes. It all comes down to your own resolve for any situation.

One of the best compliments I’ve received from an employer is that he called me, “tenacious.” That’s because before my…mental issues…I never gave up on anything.

I was lauded as being perseverant regardless of the situation.

It’s your ability to persevere that will determine whether you’re successful or not. Every rejection, failure, problem, and hang-up will only help you learn for the next attempt.

What Action Can You Take to Break the Cycle?

Speaking from experience, I know how difficult it can be to pull yourself out of a rut. When it feels like your tires are spinning and gaining no traction, a positive outlook is difficult.

But, I believe anyone can change their future by taking action to remedy these moments.

Start Building Good Habits

A lot of us have issues succeeding simply because of bad habits. However, it’s just as easy to create good ones to replace them.

It’s a “habit” after all.

For me, it’s all about getting on a proper schedule throughout my day to boost productivity. It’s also talking myself out of that midnight snack.

Stop the Self-Deprecation

A lot of us have issues with success because of self-deprecation. It’s a terrible habit to constantly have disapproval of yourself and your actions.

This is often experienced by those with impostor syndrome, and who don’t feel worthy.

But if you want to get the ball rolling for taking action for success, you need to focus more on your positive traits. 

Start Having More Faith in Yourself

Once you stop bashing yourself, you can start building confidence. Having faith in what you can do and what you offer can ultimately improve morale.

Realize that any victory, regardless of how small, is still a victory. It’s something you achieved, and you should be proud.

Usually, I’ll go back and look at past accomplishments. These help me realize that I am better than I think and helps me focus on what’s ahead.

This, above all, to thine own self be true.

Stop Making Excuses

Excuses are one of the most common things I hear from people of all types. In fact, I’ve relied on a few of these myself over the years.

Emphasizing excuses only works to prevent you from taking action in the future.

She’ll say no. They won’t hire me. I lack the skill. I’m too busy. All of these are excuses that don’t do you a damn bit of good.

Put in the effort, anyway. You don’t know the future, and you might surprise yourself with how much you can accomplish.

Start Putting in the Effort No Matter What

Regardless of the situation, effort is key to success. Even if you’re fairly confident you’ll fail, it’ll give you the experience to become better.

I believe that a true failing is an experience you don’t learn from. Otherwise, it only adds to your knowledge of what not to do next time.

And no level of knowledge is a failing.

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

In the grand scheme of things, the only one you’re truly in competition with is yourself. Who are you today compared to who you were yesterday?

It doesn’t matter how successful I am, or if someone on YouTube gets more of an audience than you do, or if you’re not as good of an author as Stephen King.

Life is about self-improvement and going beyond who you were to become the best version of yourself.

Everyone is different with unique experiences. All you need to worry about is who you are right now.

Success Is Ready for You to Take Action

So, plan out your week and set some goals. Just remember that taking action is the only way those things are going to get done.

It’ll take time, so be patient with yourself. Focus more on who you want to be as opposed to who you were.

Live your dreams.