Step 4: now do it

After all this reading and writing, it’s time to leave the comfort of your computer screen. Now it’s time to take action.

1. Just do it

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”

(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

2. Staying motivated

You’ve left your comfort zone, and it’s going to be inevitable that you’ll take a hit or two. How are you going to get over this and stay on target?

Focus on the rewards. It’s not all fairy floss: it’s hard work, but it’s rewarding. Take a moment to think what you’ve done, and how much you’ve changed since you decided “I’m going to do something about this”.

Just as important, you need to take a well-earned break every now and again. We all live busy lives, and taking action is time-consuming. Take a weekend off. Call a friend every now and then and earbash them about what you’ve been up to.

3. Get advice

Seek advice when you’re faced with challenges. You’ll be surprised at how eager people will be to give you advice and support.

You’ll be able to find advice wherever.

Perhaps there is someone at work that deals with publicity and media.

Your high school might have a debating team. The teacher might have some good advice in advancing an argument.

If you go to uni, you might find an academic that can help you out. Most academics in social science departments (like sociology, politics, and economics) will have some good advice about the way you can go about action and groups. Most will be happy to help out: and they’ll have some good contacts and opportunities for you.

If you go to Tafe, have a talk to your instructors.

Family and friends are just as good, no matter what their experience. They’ll think of alternatives and ideas that you hadn’t thought of at all.

4. Persist

You’re doing a great job.

Taking action is hard work, so well done for channelling your passion into something useful. Your not just whinging about what’s wrong with the world.

You’ll learn from your challenges and you’ll be a better person for it.

No matter how your action goes, it will have been worth it.

You’re putting your beliefs into practice, so be proud of yourself and just see how many people will be inspired to do something because they’ve seen you work so hard. Actions speak louder than words.

Next steps

You’ve done it! Congratulations.

The fun is nearly, nearly done. But before you crack open the Passion Pop (or have a sleep in), we have a few words of advice on how to move on to bigger and better things...one more to go.