As Change Catalyst Entrepreneurs, most of our attention is focused on taking action! We invest in training courses and coaching programs to learn what actions to take and when to take them.
But action is only part of the equation!
When it comes to developing your work and your business, your hesitation is just as important as your actions. You can't succeed with one without the other.
Hesitation Comes in a Variety of Forms
Any time you slow you down or something causes you pause it is worth exploring to learn more about what's happening.
When you can find the wisdom within your hesitation, you discover clues that will help you enhance where you are with your work and your business.
Imagine a situation in which you need to take your work out into the world in some way:
- Writing a new website
- Going to a networking event
- Talking with a new client
- Giving a presentation
1) You feel compelled to be in action!
You may feel this drive within you or you may have been given a directive by your instructor or business coach.
If you are ready to take action, this desire to be in action is in alignment. You have the requisite clarity and building block to go for it! You are jazzed! The time has come and you are 100% on board and ready to make it so.
2) If you are taking on a new action, you may feel a blend of excitement and nervousness.
To succeed, you may find it helpful to explore your nervousness to see if you can find a way to set up the scenario so you have a better chance of following through and succeeding.
Your nervousness is a form of hesitation...it is not bad or anything to be ashamed of. There's no reason to force yourself through it. It is a perfectly natural response to doing something new. (Think about how baby animals and toddlers take new actions.)
3) If you are petrified or extremely uneasy with the action you are supposed to take...
You may not have any idea what to say or do. You might be afraid of failing. You don't even know where to start.
Your fear and uneasiness are signs of your hesitation. In this case you are likely not ready to take action. You don't have the necessary building blocks in place yet. You are in a previous stage, and you aren't in a good position to push yourself into premature action.
If you did push forward, and you failed, then you would have proof that you fail...when really it was not your fault at all! You weren't ready. Period. End of subject.
4) If you are being asked to do something that doesn't feel right or good to you...
Whatever is being asked of you is not aligned with your values, your business, or your style. Every part of you is saying NO! You are putting the brakes on and dragging your feet because this action is not right for you to take.
Your resistance/hesitation in this case is a sign you are sticking up for your truth.
Although it may be that going against an instructor or coach or something you have been taught is the right thing to do, it is your truth. Listen and stand up for yourself. In certain circumstances you may be looked down upon for not following through. You may even be shamed. That is on them, not you!
All of These Signs of Hesitation Are Spot On!
Trust your journey. Notice your internal responses.
Honor yourself and your knowing.
This is where tapping into the wisdom within your hesitation provides you with answers, courage, and an inner knowing of what is right for you.
If you aren't ready to take a step forward, look at what you need to do to step in that direction or in a different direction that is more aligned for you and your business.
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To gain more insights about Action and Hesitation:
Listen to this episode: Discovering how to befriend your own sense of hesitation can boost your progress far more than forcing yourself to be in action when you aren't ready to move forward!
Action and Hesitation
If you'd like to understand what's behind your hesitation, download Carol's eBook: 7 Vital Milestones to Turn Your Emerging Idea into a Flourishing Business.