Hi Reader,

Bottom Line Up Front: Use the 3 Start Rule to Defeat Inaction

If you struggle with inaction or your employees struggle with inaction, even after being told what to do or following a specific process, then it's pretty simple: you must change the process. As a leader, you can do several things for your employees to enable you to take action when this happens. Let's get underway and dive deeper into this topic. Note: In submarine speak, getting underway means untying the submarine from some moor and operating under her own power. Dive means that, dive!

Having spent 38+ years in the U.S. Navy collecting tools and practicing what works and what doesn't, I can honestly tell you the key is just to start. Everyone knows that Captain Obvious, so what else can you tell us?

Why do we often know what to do yet struggle to take action? As a leader, how many times have you noticed that when someone tells you what you can do to accomplish a goal or a task, most times, you still don't do it? How about when the shoe is on the other foot, i.e., when you tell someone else to do something you know is the right step or worked for you and all they have to do is do it - they don't? Maybe you or the other person ends up writing it down on this massive to-do list for the future. Same outcome - no action?

I've done it before and have seen it myself in the military, in my civilian job, and with the non-profits I've helped. Why? Wouldn't you think, for example, that if I put out a newsletter with proven tools, people would listen and take action, knowing that they could accomplish what they want with some elbow grease and hard work? Maybe just by getting started?

This dilemma is at the heart of both personal and professional leadership growth. This reflection highlights the disconnect between intention and execution. I noticed the same thing when helping many non-profits over the past few years — you volunteer to help them, give them a plan they can execute, and then more often than not, you never hear back from them. Why?

There are several things at play here.

• First, awareness isn't enough. Knowing what to do doesn't guarantee action.
• Motivation is fleeting, and inspiration can fade quickly.
• Life gets in the way. There are too many things to do, and not focusing on that one most important thing that will actually move the needle.
• Fear and doubt creep in. Uncertainty holds them back.
• A focus on perfection versus progress. When it doesn’t feel perfect, no action is taken.
• The comfort zone is enticing. Familiarity can be paralyzing.

So, how can you or the person you are trying to help defeat this inaction? Use what I simply call the 3 start rule.

The 3 start rule is something I developed over time. It's more of a process really. Ok, a quick sea story. I was a brand new Ensign in the Navy, just having been commissioned, and was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). I went from being a Chief Petty Officer on a submarine who understood how to get things done to an Ensign onboard an aircraft carrier who could barely find the way from my berthing (where I slept) to the wardroom (where the officers ate). It was a minute-by-minute challenge sometimes. I was assigned as the Educational Services Officer, responsible for the advancement examination process, which was my most significant duty for the over 5K personnel assigned onboard during a deployment. We had no computers, the Internet, AI, or email. It was all typewriters, phone calls or personal visits. I felt like I was sinking within the first week.

My Department Head was considered the GOAT of our specialty, and he was the Administrative/Personnel Department Head onboard the TR. He had also come from submarines in his past life and realized what I was going through. I had known him for many years prior and was honored to be working under him as one of his Division Officers. One day, soon after my arrival, he knew I was struggling and pulled me aside. He told me to just remember what I did onboard the submarine to be successful which was what? I think I said something like just take action. Whatever we agreed upon (it's been over 30 years ago so don't hold me accountable for the exact words), I felt a lot better. So I went back to my office (took me a minute to find it) and wrote out my process for handling this difficult time. It was simply this and again, I called it the 3 Start Rule.

THE 3 START RULE:

• Start now
• Start small
• Start with the one most important thing

Here are some tactics you can use to follow the 3 start rule:

• Start now: No better time to start than the present
• Start small: Break tasks into manageable steps.
• Start with the one most important thing: Create a priority list if you need to and work #1
• Get it done: My favorite of course
• Set accountability: Share goals with trusted individuals.
• Create routines: Establish habits for consistency.
• Celebrate progress: Acknowledge small wins.
• Self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness when faltering.

In a nutshell, you or your people can overcome the Paradox of Inaction by taking small, immediate actions. Remember the 3 Start Rule: Start now, start small, and start with the one most important thing. You'll be more focused, in control of your goals, much happier, and less stressed, and you'll stop saying you have a time management problem. Most importantly, you'll be able to defeat life's inactions and get successful results!

Will you take the first step today using the 3 start rule "To Getting It Done"?

​

Vr Mike

To Getting It Done!

P.S. Unlock Your Path to Success with Proven Tools and Ideas! To Getting It Done! is your go-to resource for achieving your goals. Here's how we can help: Clarify Your Vision and Direction: Get a free 30-minute Navy-proven coaching session to pinpoint your priorities and create a clear plan for success. Stay Focused and Motivated: Join our 52-Week Email Series and receive battle-tested tools and strategies to overcome obstacles and reach your goals. Elevate Your Performance: Tap into the expertise of a 38+ year Navy Veteran and gain actionable insights to take your business and life to the next level. Please share this resource with others who could benefit from a proven path to success! Thank you! ​ MICHAEL A. WHITT To Getting It Done! Website: https://www.togettingitdone.com/​ Email: michael@togettingitdone.com​ Cell: (808) 295-1591​ Q: Have you helped someone else today to make the world a better place today? ​​​

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