To succeed, one needs a plan of action. Action equals A.C.T. The A.C.T method is: Assertiveness, Consistency, Tenacity.
Assertiveness is a Must
Assertive is not a negative word. In the past, it has been hard for women to be assertive. They were labeled aggressive. That is often true now for men. With office harassment accusations a syllable away, men have to choose their words carefully. So that we are clear, let’s review the terms.
Assertiveness means one speaks up without anger, selfishness, or sarcasm. One works hard to succeed without stepping on the rights of others. Aggression means walking on others to advance self. Nonassertiveness means letting others walk on you.
To succeed, assertiveness is a necessary attitude. It says, "I can plan for my own future and seize the opportunities that come my way."
Some religions caution followers: don’t boast, don’t speak up for yourself, and never stand out. One cannot lead from behind. The act of leading, places the leader out front. One is seen there, but that’s not a bad thing. It only identifies the one who has the responsibility to chart the course and then blaze the trail. One has to speak up on their own behalf. That's assertiveness.
Consistency is a Necessity
One has to have a map to get to a new place. If they’ve been there before but got side-tracked or migrated away from the destination, then a plan is just as important. One can be so easily fooled by interesting sidelines that they wander down a meander bend and get lost, again.
When one decides on a course of action, they go through each step. If they trust it, they keep it, and work it. That's consistency.
Steadfastness is an old fashioned word. The road to success must be paved with stones that stay fast, so the way is clear and safe. Consistency is the mark of a winner.
Tenacity is the Key
When one takes action and begins a plan, then they must consistently work that plan, and hold tightly to their dream until, and after, they succeed. That's tenacity.
A good example is the change in publishing. Novelist know, authors must adjust their thinking while holding on to their dream. Marketing the novel they have laughed and cried over while writing it, is now the author’s job. They immediately look for ways to get the word out, mostly to friends, family and those who purchase a book at a book signing.
Tenacity also means recognizing, not a different plan, a wider path. They may have opportunities to speak at organizations about the novel. They must also put up a website, Facebook page, blog, and open a Twitter account. They hadn’t planned on any of that but work hard at it. They are not getting off plan. They are widening their path.
The A.C.T. Method is Worth Trying
Success in today’s economy is possible. It will not come looking for you. You must A.C.T. with assertiveness, consistency, and tenacity.
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