It Isn't The Thought That Counts

It Isn't The Thought That Counts

I know we have been told that it is the thought that counts, but that isn't exactly true. Thoughts are nice, but thinking about taking action isn't enough. Try telling your child that you were thinking about getting them a birthday gift instead of getting one or telling your boss that you were thinking about finishing the project on time after you miss the deadline. Yep! Thoughts are great, but actions are what count.

I still have two gifts in the back of my car that I thought about mailing a month ago. I will get them mailed. However, I have long missed the intended birthdays. I am sure my friends will still like their gifts, but the fact remains that I missed their birthdays and no amount of thought will change that. Thoughts are only the first step in the process. For the thoughts to mean anything they have to be followed up with action. Action is what counts and brings meaning to your thoughts.

Coaching

Actions not thoughts get things done. Yes, you first have to think about it, but if you stop there you end up at a dead end. To bring your thoughts to life and really make them count you have to take action. In the end, action is the only thing that counts.

Coaching Question

Are you backing up your thoughts with action?

Live the Day

What have you been thinking about doing but haven't done yet. Take action today. Whatever you have been thinking about do it. If you don't want to take action stop thinking about it and move on to something you will do.

Quotes

"The great end of life is not knowledge but action." Thomas H. Huxley

"The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." Lao Tzu

"The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." William Faulkner