Take the Initiative

The poet, John Milton’s words, “They also serve who only stand and wait. ” may be both profound and genuine, but the true riches of life are far more likely to happen to those who actively go out and seek them.

Take charge of your life, learn to design and achieve the future that is right for you. Create your vision and take action. Know what you want and what you do not want. Make confident and effective decisions. Develop yourself to your highest potential whether you are looking to move up or change your course completely. You can not wait for everyone to buy into your ideas, dreams, and vision. If you are convinced and committed, you must take action right away.

Seldom does success come marching in accompanied by a brass brand in full regalia. More often, it is a achieved by those who labor long and hard. Take the initiative, and you will create your own opportunities. There is no substitute for action backed up by a well- thought -out plan.

Are you waiting for success to arrive or are you going out to find where it is hiding?


Lolly Daskal is one of the most sought-after executive leadership coaches in the world. Her extensive cross-cultural expertise spans 14 countries, six languages and hundreds of companies. As founder and CEO of Lead From Within, her proprietary leadership program is engineered to be a catalyst for leaders who want to enhance performance and make a meaningful difference in their companies, their lives, and the world.

Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.

  1. Monica Diaz

    23. Sep, 2009

    Yesterday I was reading Wally Bock’s post about being smart (http://blog.momentor.com/smart-is-not-successful) where he talked about the fact that your talent is not enough to succeed. It needs to be put to use. You make that point beautifully here. Action is what takes you where you want to go. And it is in action that you may find that destiny that awaits you. (Although secretly we may still hope for that brass band in full regalia) Thanks for an inspiring post, a call to action today!

    Reply to this comment
    • Lolly Daskal

      23. Sep, 2009

      Monica I am humbled by your comments and I am honored to be mention in the same sentence with Wally Bock. I just read his brilliant post about being smart (http://blog.momentor.com/smart-is-not-successful). It is true, your talent alone will not get to be successful. Success is achieved by taking small steps with continuous disciplined action towards what you want. Thank you Monica for adding your wisdom and value to my post.

      Reply to this comment
  2. Susan Mazza

    23. Sep, 2009

    In a comment on a post by Anne Perchel of Germane Consulting (@bizshrink on twitter) Ana Legon used the word “actitude”. Seems to fit right in with what you are saying here.

    http://germaneconsulting.com/wheres-the-vision-in-supervision/

    Reply to this comment
    • Lolly Daskal

      23. Sep, 2009

      Thank you for introducing me to the newest word “actitude” I like it.

      Reply to this comment
  3. Joanne Maly

    23. Sep, 2009

    Susan,

    Thank you for the reminder and for me, the reinforcement, to “Take charge of your life …. and achieve the future that is right for you.”

    I find that work — and then more work – can pound the creativity out of you at times. Your column reminded me to step back, take a breath, and remember the path is long… but if the course is well-planned and purpose-driven… I will get there.

    Thanks much.
    Joanne Maly
    Lincoln Maly Marketing, Cincinnati, Ohio

    Reply to this comment

Leave a Reply