After receiving the Emerging Leader Award from the OWA last year, I had many people reach out, asking me what I did to get to where I am today. As a girl with a slew of labels — ADHD, adopted, bi-racial, and learning disabled — most people are surprised to see how far I’ve come; “society” would say that someone with my “setbacks” wouldn’t go far. 

So what exactly did I do to push past my “negative” stamps? I took radical action, I grew my leadership skills, I shifted my mindset, and I expressed gratitude daily for the blessings and talents that I have. It’s a combination of these things and my natural desire to constantly work on myself and learn as much as possible that have gotten me where I am today.

Radical action is step one when it comes to creating positive change in your life. This is quite literally taking the first step that jump starts the process of change. When we aren’t taking targeted action toward the goals we have set for ourselves, we run the risk of becoming stagnant and complacent with where we are. Oftentimes we see others who have “the perfect house” or “the perfect career” or “the perfect family” and we say, “Man! Must be nice. They’re so lucky,” with an undertone of jealousy. It’s almost like we see these things and assume these individuals were handed everything. Sometimes they were, but 9 times out of 10, it’s because they took radical action to get where they wanted to go.

I once heard someone say, “lucky people don’t make successful people.” This is true, as it’s people who completely commit themselves to success who get “lucky” in life. Successful people approach success as a duty, and the harder they work, the “luckier” they get. This goes for marriage, partnership, your career, the way you raise your kids, etc. 

Success doesn’t happen by accident! It means sacrificing, stretching yourself, and working hard.

If you’re looking for ways to take radical action in your life, the first thing you need to do is get serious about change. 

This means shifting your mindset and truly acknowledging what you want to change in your life. After you know that, create milestones for each stage of growth as you work toward that end goal. For example, if you want a promotion at your job, then set goals to get yourself closer to that promotion. Maybe that means taking more initiative and being proactive with solving a company problem, or being more efficient; whatever it is, set goals so you can track your progress.

Next, you need to be passionate! 

If you’re not passionate about what you’re trying to take radical action on, you won’t love what you’re doing or be successful at it. Having a lack of passion is like eating food with no flavor — if you’re doing it just to do it and not because it tastes good, then it’s not worth it.

Lastly, be proud of yourself! 

Give yourself grace and compassion. When we are pushing ourselves, we have to know when to honor and praise ourselves for how far we have come, even if we haven’t reached the end goal yet. Moments of self-praise are good for the soul and will help you to stay positive on your life-changing journey.  

I’ve coached a handful of women on how to take action in their life, and I always notice the same thing with each person at the beginning of our time together; they’re super negative, and throw every excuse in the book at the wall as to why they haven’t reached their goal.  When your mind makes excuses, this is your call to show up. Show up for yourself and harness your power of focus and effort.  These are two things you can control and success often follows.  The result of what you want, is on the other side of that excuse holding you back.  

Every one of us was put here for a reason. We all have a gift that the world is waiting to receive. It’s up to you to know your worth and the possibilities that await you, and by making positive changes in your life for your personal growth, you are sure to be successful in anything you desire!

Written by Katie Lauver