Lately I have seen a lot of people who are overwhelmed, confused, and unhappy. What I have noticed about some of these people is that they don't take action or they spend all their time doing the wrong things.

I know there have been many days when I have been sitting at my desk all day, perhaps longer than just the normal 9 to 5, and then asked myself, "What did I really get done?" On these days, I definitely did not feel productive and instead I would just feel overwhelmed, even though I had put in more than a full day.

Then there are some days when I feel great and I know that what I accomplished is bringing me closer to my goals. These days I was really in action mode - working on the right things. And it feels great!

So what sets apart inaction versus action and right and wrong activities? Well the action is when you are working on your "high payoff activities". These are activities that bring you closer to your goal. They do not include the normal to-do list, answering emails, filing and shuffling papers, and balancing your checkbook. However, they do include anything that literally brings you one-step closer to your goals. To figure out your "high payoff activities", you need some clearly defined goals that you can break down into little fragments or mini-goals. These mini-goals then become your daily high payoff activities to-do list.

We all have "to-do" lists that really do not bring us closer to anything but maybe a cleaner house or less junk mail on the counter. Be kind to yourself. Sometimes these things can wait longer. Learn to ignore all the little distractions in your life. If I paid attention to all of them, I'd spend the majority of my day cleaning and re-cleaning out my closet. While I'd have a clean house - that's all I would have.

1. Am I not taking action because this is not something that I want to be, do, or have? Or does my desire to take action not greater than my desire to not take action? If this is the case, you may need to reassess where you are going and get aligned to your purpose and passion. Maybe you are working on goals that do not fit you anymore. In that case, it is okay to release them and start working on something that does bring you passion.

2. Is there a belief that if I try to do what I want that I might fail? If you have fear of failure or fear of success; know that this is normal and that many people go through these emotions. BUT, the only way to get over it is to start doing something that counteracts that belief. You will raise your self-confidence and self-esteem with each action step you take, so it is VITAL to keep taking action. It builds momentum.

3. You do not know the "HOW" of reaching your goals. Many people have big dreams, but they are paralyzed because they cannot see the how. "How" is a dirty little word when it comes to achieving goals. Stop asking yourself (or others) this question, because the fact is until you commit to your goals, dreams, or purpose; the how will never show up. You have to first commit to them and then you have to be open to seeing the signs and receiving divine inspiration. I promise, make the commitment and the "How" will magically show up ;-)

If you are having trouble getting into action, get support whether it is from a friend, a mentor, a coach, or a group of like-minded people. Start taking action today. There is no time like NOW.

~Jack Canfield