The Choice to Act

Freedom is the ability to choose, and choosing to act with awareness is everything. But sometimes, we are either stuck or simply drifting, allowing fear of the unknown or desire for comfort to be in the driver’s seat. It takes curiosity, confidence, commitment, and courage to act intentionally and independently. Ask questions to know what you really want, and the answers will guide your choices. Learn more with books and TED talks mentioned throughout the post, Amazon affiliate links to books provide a small commission that help to support the Daily PlanIt. “Wanting” by Luke Burgis, Big Think How to know what you really want.

Who do I want to be?

• Core values: what are my guiding principles?
• Character: what personal qualities will I strive for?
• Consciousness: how will I increase awareness and understanding?
• Capabilites: what strengths and abilities will I develop?

“The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene, TED talk The key to transforming yourself

CULTIVATE CURIOSITY
• Try new things
• Explore and experiment
• Ask questions
• Make meaningful connections

“What if Pigs Can Fly?” by Van Lai-Dumone, TED talk What if? The life changing power of curiosity and courage

What do I want for a meaningful life?

For me, a meaningful life includes:

• Learning and growth
• Important goals
• Fulfilling relationships
• Exploration and enjoyment

“The Power of Meaning” by Emily Esfahani Smith, TED talk There’s more to life than being happy 

MOTIVATION and meaning
Contribution (Purpose)
Connection (People)
Competence (Mastery)
Control (Autonomy)

“The Motivation Myth” by Jeff Haden, TED talk The most successful person in the world

CONFIDENCE
• Conscious choices
• Act despite fear
• Learn from mistakes
• Master emotions

“Let’s Go!” by Emily Jaenson, TED talk 6 tips for building your confidence. Trevor Ragan TED talk How to overcome fear

What do I want to do? What work is most significant?

CALLING
• Career and significant work
• AIM for vision
• Map a mission
• Pursue purpose
• Set goals

“The Power of Purpose” by Richard Leider, TED talk How to unlock the power of purpose

How will I achieve this?

BUILD BEHAVIOR
• Beware cognitive biases
• Establish a habit
• Action – attitude
• Share socially
• Take small actions

“The Leopard in My House” by Mark Steel TED talk, Achieving big goals with small steps

MAKE IT HAPPEN
• Focus on 1 thing at a time
• Really small steps
• Act on values to express your best self
• Motion creates motivation
• Execute with agency

“The Execution Factor” by Kim Perell, TED talk How to execute

COMMITMENT
• Involvement
• Consistency
• Act even when hard
• Never give up

“Be Your Future Self Now” by Benjamin Hardy, TED talk The 100% rule that will change your life. “Surge” by Steve Gargulio, TED talk The Science of taking action. John Ameichi at Big Think.

• Decide
• Determine defaults
• Define priorities
• Do –take action
• Devote attention
• Design for flow

Take an action style quiz from Kathy Caprino

BE BOLD
• Be unstoppable
• Overcome inertia
• Live at the edge of the comfort zone
• Defeat resistance

“Unstoppable Mindset” by Alden Mills, TED talk How to train an unstoppable mindset. Anne-Laure Le Cunff on the Triple Check method for overcoming resistance at Big Think.

COURAGE – BE BRAVE
• Be open to challenges
• Rely on resilience
• Act on values
• Vanquish doubt
• Embrace struggle

When we face fear and act anyway, we can make difficult choices possible. Next, learn more about cultivating agency, the ability to act independently and intentionally to influence outcomes. As you bring awareness to all that you do, always ask “Does this support or sabotage who I want to be?” Doing what it takes to achieve what you want is not easy. But it is what it takes to be free.

Explore more TED talks by speakers who are also authors at TED Talk Book Discussion.

About dailyplanit

I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.