How to Leverage Michael Hyatt’s L.E.A.P. Principle for Big Results
4 Simple Steps to Beat the Law of Diminishing Intent
ADAPTED FROM MICHAEL HYATT’S BLOG
November and December are my favorite months. Yes, Christmas is HUGE for me, but so is planning for the next year. This is a great time to evaluate what’s working in our lives, what’s not, and to make any changes that will get us closer to the destiny we were designed for.
As we take a look at where we’ve been and where we want to go, we usually have a sense of what to do…but fail to act. Why? We’re afraid of taking a risk. Afraid of making a mistake. Afraid of not being perfect.
Even if you only have an inkling of clarity about what to do, it’s imperative that you act immediately. If you don’t, the default of doing nothing traps you in the Law of Diminishing Intent.
The Law of Diminishing Intent
The Law of Diminishing Intent says, the longer you wait to take action, the less likely you will be to take it. Jim Rohn originally noticed this phenomenon and coined the term.
I have fallen prey to it, and I bet you have too. We say we want to lose weight, write a book, or start a new business. Dreaming up big results can be emotionally satisfying and intellectually stimulating.
But getting started requires ACTION. That means overcoming your fear and taking a risk. Things like these are where the rubber meets the road:
- Plan and prepare healthy meals
- Be disciplined to sit and write each week
- Research the market to see if your idea has enough demand to be profitable
While necessary, taking action on these things isn’t the real risk.
I love the way Michael says this: “The real risk is this: When facing these sorts of challenges, instead of taking action, we can coast on the good feeling of the dream without taking the necessary steps to see it realized.”
UGH – how often have I been THERE!
To counteract this phenomenon, I recommend using his LEAP Principle:
“Never leave the scene of clarity without taking decisive action.”
How to Beat It
If you want to see a big change, you must be willing to take a big LEAP. It’s as simple as four steps, one for each letter of the acronym:
- Lean into the change with expectancy. When you notice that a change is desirable or necessary, that’s the trigger. Determine to follow through. That inkling is all you need to get going.
- Engage with the concept until you achieve clarity. Don’t let the feeling pass. Work with it until you’ve got a sense of what to do. That nagging thought in the back of your mind might be the start of a whole new adventure—or the ladder you need to climb out of a deep rut.
- Activate and do something—anything. Sometimes we wait to move until we have all the information. That’s a mistake. Clarity comes in degrees. And you only need enough light for the next step. Even if you get off on the wrong foot, the rest of the journey will become clearer as you go.
- Pounce and do it now. Once you’ve determined your next step, take it. Don’t wait. Waiting feels safe, but waiting kills dreams.
LEAPing into Action
“Once you’ve determined your next step, take it. Don’t wait.” MICHAEL HYATT
What is the one thing you need to do today to make meaningful progress in your personal or professional life?
Take a LEAP…or as I say, ACTIVATE!!!
Once again, I’d like to thank Michael Hyatt for this brilliant insight! To read his original blog post, click here: The LEAP Principle. ( https://michaelhyatt.com/leap-principle/)
Until the next writing on my wall, remember:
Your DESTINY awaits…ACTIVATE!
…Bralynn
Posted by Bralynn Newby, author, speaker, and content strategist for visionary coaches, consultants and influencers. Author of Planning to Profit: Architecting Your Unique Story Into a Business You Love. To contact Bralynn email Activate@BralynnNewbycom.