Take action before you’re competent.
You act without ability when you learn to hit a baseball, for example.
The less you try, the less you’re able to do. When effort drops, tolerance for effort fades.
The more you do, the more you can do.
You learn to lead by leading.
How to Take Action Before Ability
#1. Find a Reason
Why bother increasing abilities?
- Will your future self thank you for developing this skill?
- How will developing this muscle enhance your ability to contribute?
#2. Who You Gonna Call?
Courage is a team sport. When uncertainty hits, who will you call? Contact supporters before you need them. Ask them if they will be a go-to person for you.
#3. Record Your Inner Critic.
Record every fear your inner critic complains about. Write it down. After a few days, review the list and throw it away. Don’t try to fix your inner critic. Acknowledge and discard.
Read: 7 Ruthless Truths About Your Inner Critic and the Realities of Self-Compassion
#4. What’s the Smallest Clumsy Step?
Small action before ability reduces anxiety.
Do something ridiculously small. Small steps increase confidence. Momentum is a series of small wins.
#5. Cheer Yourself On.
Say, “you got this,” to yourself.
“In the research literature, both instructional and motivational self-talk have been shown to enhance performance. Oxford
Bonus: Don’t visualize success. Visualize the process.
A Note on Self-Care
Self-care is part of life, not all of life. Resistance expands capacity. Rest restores it.
You grow when you rest and reflect. (Read The Vagrant for structured self-reflection practices.)
Energy, confidence, skill, focus, and courage expand when exercised.
Aim at motion, not motivation. Do something small consistently. Ability builds itself.
How can leaders encourage people to take action before ability?
