How to take the initiative for ultimate successWe live in a world of limitless potential. Opportunities wait around every corner. Every day as one business closes another 5 begin. Just as there are opportunities being exploited there are many around there laying dormant. The problem is that too few people have the necessary entrepreneurial spirit to find these opportunities. They somehow think that riches and success are going to just fall into our lap. If we are to make the most of the world we have to learn to get out there and make some bold decisions. Many of us have jobs that involve following instructions and orders. While this is alright for some the truly successful person operates according to their own rules. Crucial to this success is being able to make the right decisions off their own back, by combining the principles of self confidence and judgement .This is what we mean when we talk about taking the initiative. One way to define initiative that accommodates both daring and caution is in the concept of calculated risk. A calculated risk is not simply a gamble nor is it an educated guess. Calculated risk means taking a decision that comes with it the risk of failure. However rather than being just a random act ,like a bet on a horse, this decision is based on a both gut feeling and evidence. This evidence can be based on relevant things we know in the outside world, but it can also be about things we know about ourselves. You will find one of the benefits to be gained from being a success at taking the initiative is enhanced social status. We attach an almost mythical quality to brave daring leaders. You will find that people will value your judgement and ability to think under pressure. Everyone from staff, customers, bosses and friends and family will begin to gravitate towards you. You will be seen as that rare individual. Some one who not only keeps control in the heat of the moment, but who also gets results. In order to fully eliminate this unhelpful character trait consider setting yourself daily goals. Every day look for - and then take action- on at least one thing that needs to be done. You need to get your mind used to thinking in a way that encourages initiative. The more you do that then the more you will turn initiative taking in to a routine behaviour |