Had a fun client conference call recently where we discussed specific goals to improve the client’s use of social networking tools. The consensus of the conversation was that the client can and will begin using familiar tools in new ways, while also investing time into new tools.

It was clear during the call that the client didn’t need expert advice; they knew what to do, maybe they just needed the conversation to feel more ready about doing it.

Here’s a list of thoughts to inspire that action:

“Practice these key points:

1.) Be an ‘activationist.’ Be someone who does things. Be a doer, not a ‘don’ter’.

2.) Don’t wait until conditions are perfect. They never will be. Expect future obstacles and difficulties and solve them as they arise.

3.) Remember, ideas alone won’t bring success. Ideas have value only when you act upon them.

4.) Use action to cure fear and gain confidence. DO what you fear and fear disappears. Just try and see.

5.) Start your mental engine mechanically. Don’t wait for the spirit to move you. Take action, dig in, and you move the spirit.

6.) Think in terms of now. Tomorrow, next week, later, and similar words are often synonymous with the failure word never. Be an “I’m starting right now” kind of person.

7.) Get down to business – pronto. Don’t waste time getting ready to act. Start acting instead.

8.) Seize the initiative. Be a crusader. Pick up the ball and run. Be a volunteer. Show that you have the ability and ambition to do.

- from Dr. David J. Schwartz, “The Magic of Thinking Big”, Prentice-Hall, 1959

I’ve been half kid whole earnest about Dr. David J. Schwartz before. It’s ironic how often we fascinate over the latest management ideas, only to find many of those same ideas published a generation earlier. Sometimes management advice from 1959 is more relevant and helpful than the latest tricks.

[tags]Dr. David J. Schwartz, Magic of Thinking Big, Action[/tags]