Action, Inaction, Procrastination, and Motivation

To say that I’ve learned a lot about taking action and motivation  in the last few days would be an understatement. Lately I’ve been in a pretty tight spot with almost no margin for error. This is because earlier this year, I couldn’t bring myself to be motivated enough to take action. For those of you who don’t know what I’m referencing, It’s my senior year and I’m trying to complete several months worth of work in just a few days. Only now, when threatened with my graduation, and an amazing trip I have planned over the summer, have I finally come to understand the benefits of taking action.

There are a lot of reasons we don’t take action, we may be lazy, we may be scared, or we may be too naive to see the whole picture, but whatever the reason, inaction always carries the worst consequences. A lot of the time we think that abstaining from action will prevent us from failing, but this isn’t true. To state an old cliché, we miss all of the shots we never take.

Inaction might make us feel safe for a short time, but the consequences, although less apparent are always more severe. Now that I’ve pulled several all nighters and been pushed beyond my breaking point I’m beginning to realize this. Remember that these lessons don’t only apply to school, they can be beneficial to all aspects of life. For example it’s better to ask for a date, and get shot down than spend a lifetime alone.

Taking action and failing is even a benefit in its own right. Say you’re lost, and come to a crossroads, one of which will take you home. You have no idea which one to take, which leaves you with only two options. You can pick a road and take action, or you can stay where you are. Staying put wont get you anywhere, but if you pick a road, not only do you have a chance to get home, but you’re guaranteed to see something new. Experience only comes from taking action. Why be stagnant when even failure is guaranteed to add perspective?

The final thing I’ve figured out is that action creates motivation. I dreaded writing this today. I have a lot of other things that I need to get done, and frankly every fiber of my being is telling me that I need a nap, but I pushed those primal urges aside and started writing anyway. When I first sat down, I could hardly think of a thing to say, but now that I’m well under way, I have almost too many ideas to add. Taking action like this has done nothing but improve my current situation, which is more that procrastination and inaction combined have ever done. If you’re ever unsure what to do, take a shot anyway. It’s far better than doing nothing.