initiative

Imagine how many new friends you would make, how much new business you could create, and how much fun you could have by simply taking the initiative to be the inviter. Try it today. Welcome new relationships into your life that would never have occurred otherwise.

Get in the Game__s soon as you say something can__ be done, you will be passed by a person who is already doing it._ _ Unknown__o you typically observe the game of life from the sidelines, sit in the penalty box, play your heart out on the field, or show up when the opportunity has already passed by and ask, __hat happened?__our answer to this question will reveal a lot about your initiative. Granted, various situations call for diverse levels of interest and engagement. However, if you want to rock your relationship results, it is going to require action, effort, initiative, and choosing to get in the game.

The first step in getting unstuck and moving forward is to examine what is holding you back from taking action. The power is yours to set your intention and take the action needed to create the life you desire. You are in control of your initiative__e proactive.

Decide today to take a stand, make a plan, and get. No one ever said it was going to be easy and wouldn__ require effort. It will sometimes require that you go against the grain, face great challenge, conquer fear, overcome obstacles, and bounce back when knocked down. Choose to keep moving and don__ give up. And if your ship still doesn__ come in__wim out to it!

First, take complete responsibility for your life and current outcomes. Then take proactive steps for the necessary action to move forward in your desired direction. This personal choice is at the heart of your achieving impressive results. Taking initiative is the start of all good things born from action . . ._ Growth_ Creativity_ Enterprise_ Invention_ Success_ Solutions_ Accomplishment_ Development_ Positive Change_ Transformation

I spend a great deal of time on airplanes traveling from one speaking engagement to the next. There have been times when I have sat for hours next to strangers with whom I never made eye contact or uttered a word. But then I have also met people with whom I engaged in such delightful conversation that it resulted in new business and referrals. The main difference was whether or not I took initiative to begin a conversation.

Rather than being green with envy, realize that a dramatic difference between the __aves_ and __ave-nots_ is the __o_ and __o-nots._ If you are seeking positive change and transformation, what can you begin to do?

Extend Invitations"How many times have you sat at home alone feeling jealous or sad that you were not invited to a party or out to dinner? You may have seen people having fun on Facebook and wondered what it would take to be included next time. And when you don__ feel included, it can leave you feeling rejected, dismissed, lonely and excluded. It does not have to be this way. Why do we wait for others to do the inviting? You can change your social life instantly by taking the initiative to reach out and connect with someone.

Be the Inviter__hen I began my speaking career, I designed and delivered motivational programs for children teaching them success skills for life. Before going into a middle school one year, I interviewed the principal, Alexis Tibbetts, to ask what words of wisdom her students desperately needed to hear from me. She shared, __ids can be so cruel. Some of the children never feel included or a part of something special. Please tell them that rather than being lonely and getting their feelings hurt, they can start doing the inviting._ Her words were spot-on. Alexis went on to become a well-loved superintendent of schools in Okaloosa County, Florida. Her words of wisdom were game-changing for her students. They can be game-changing for you as well.

Ignoring his advice, I got up, walked over, gently rested my hands on two of their shoulders and said, __adies, I have to tell you how much you have impressed me. I just moved to Madison from Florida and left behind all my girlfriends. I have been sitting over there admiring your friendships. You remind me so much of my girlfriends back home and I had to come over and speak with you._ And without missing a beat, I next asked, __an I be your friend?_ They were so impressed by my sincere request, they kindly opened their circle and invited me in.

Do you ever sit back and wonder how and why other people are so successful, productive, or accomplished? What is the driver that inspires them to go for the gold, seize opportunities, and make things happen?

Have you ever had a friend in need whose only request was the gift of your presence? When major life changes happen or tragedies hit, you can find out very quickly who your real friends are because they are the ones who SHOW UP.

The actor, writer, and director Woody Allen once said, _80% of success is just showing up!_ You Can Show Up By . . . _ Participating._ Sharing ideas._ Being dependable._ Keeping your word._ Taking the initiative. _ Volunteering to be of assistance._ Being there when a friend needs you._ Raising your hand and asking questions._ Attending your children__ sporting events._ Taking your place and claiming your space._ Demonstrating that you have something to offer.

Just Show Up. Guess what? Being in the right place at the right time can__ happen without your first showing up. Companies have been started, marriages made, friendships found, careers created, and opportunities seized by those people who just showed up. Whether through coincidence, serendipity, strategy, or fate, taking the initiative to show up will reward you in ways which never would have occurred if you hadn__. Just by showing up, you have taken a proactive step to impress people by being there" in person_ and demonstrating your willingness to be involved.

Imagine how many new friends you would make, how much new business you could create, and how much fun you could have by simply taking the initiative to be the inviter.

Initiative is The Start of All Good Things. Your ship will never come in if you don__ send any out. Have you ever found yourself dreaming, hoping, and waiting passively for things to change or for your life to get better?

Introduce Yourself. Being confident and outgoing will empower you to approach new people who might be reluctant to take the first step. It is amazing how many people we come in contact with yet pass like ships in the night without any engagement or connection.

The road to hell_ (in the metaphorical sense, of course), occurs when the people who have good intentions fail to act, follow-through, or live up to their promises, all of which creates stress, frustration, and disappointment. People can be earnest and well-meaning, but their words become hollow when actions do not follow their words. By setting good intentions and taking deliberate action to back intentions up, you can transform your results.