Somehow, over the past 10 years, this phrase has become my tag line, words that roll off my lips and are offered to others as a natural closing to conversations, letters, or messages; I even closed my first book, Five Important Things, with “Go get ’em.”

 

“Why?” you might ask. “Are they empty words with motivational hype or do they carry meaning?” One reason “go get ’em” comes out so easily is because it charges me just by saying it. I also believe there is an honest desire within me to see others succeed, to excel, to give their best shot at life. In fact, I suppose, I am in the business of teaching people to “go get ’em” and to reach their true potential.

One of the greatest challenges, however, is to be able to go beyond rhetoric and to truly experience the words “go get ’em.”  Having a “go get ’em” attitude and approach toward life requires more than words, more than plans, more than good intentions; it requires ACTION. It isn’t until people get beyond thinking, planning, obstacles, and discouragement and risk their time, resources, and egos to take action that results can take place. The following steps have helped me take action when my “get up and go” seems to have “got up and went.”

 

GET FOCUSED … Write it down. “What do I want to accomplish here and why am I doing it?” Remember to focus on how far you have come and feel good about yourself.

 

GET HELP … No one said taking action means acting alone. Regardless of what you are trying to accomplish, you cannot do it alone. Whether it is the emotional support of your family or the mental and physical contributions of others, you will do more and do it better if you “go get ’em” together.

 

GET SPECIFIC … Whether it is on a legal pad, a flip chart, or your computer screen, write down what needs to be done, who will do it, and when it will be completed. “To do” lists and task charts often seem overwhelming, but, remember, they free up your mind from indecision and allow you to just do it.

 

GET EXCITED … Take time to be inspired by the things around you. From the persistence of a child to the marvels of nature — from the message in a book or movie to the experiences of adversity — there is inspiration in everything. Look for it and you will find it. Allow yourself to be inspired to act and inspire others to do the same.

 

GET BUSY … As Henry Ford once said, “You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do.” When you are tempted to procrastinate, doubt yourself, or even give up, remember, nothing works like good hard work.

 

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