Why do you keep putting off doing what you know you need to do?

Because you know this is stupid.

And it’s driving you crazy.

Because you’ve been here so many times before.

But and over, the pattern repeats:

• Feel the urgency to do something.
• Not sure where to start.
• Think about it.
• Don’t act.
• Hate yourself.
• Repeat.

So why do you do it?

Because you obviously get something from this unhealthy cycle of shameful inaction.

But what do you get?

Well, you get safety.

But you also get misery.

So what would tip the scale —

And move you from procrastination to action?

Because you know the answer, don’t you?

Is it more information?

You might need more information to tip the scale.

And if that’s true, get more information.

Now.

And this is sometimes the case.

Or is it more gumption?

Do you even know what gumption is?

Synonyms include:

• initiative
• resourcefulness
• enterprise
• ingenuity
• imagination

So maybe — but probably not.

Because you’re a clever guy.

Or is it simply courage?

Is this it?

Yes.

This is it.

And you know it is.

Are you a coward?

Yes.

You’re a coward.

Just go ahead and admit it.

You could even say it:

“I’m a coward.”

Because this is what men never want to admit.

But you know it’s true.

In fact, every time you find yourself not doing what you need to do, just say it:

“I’m a coward.”

And you might actually get something done.

Because once you say it, you can get on with it —

And do what you know you need to do.

But where do you get the courage you need?

Do you get it at a Tony Robbins seminar?

Maybe.

Or do you get it from listening to a Tim Ferriss podcast?

Maybe.

But do you know the best place to get the courage you need?

Here’s where you get it.

You get courage by listening to yourself —

And then taking action based on what you know to be true.

That’s right.

Courage comes from the French word coeur, which means heart.

And living courageously simply means living wholeheartedly.

In other words, living from your heart — from a strong personal center.

Because the real problem is that you don’t really know yourself.

In fact, you’re something of a mystery to yourself.

So spend time with yourself.

And this may sound silly.

But try it.

Set aside some time each day — somehow — to be alone with yourself.

Without distractions.

And ask yourself these 6 simple questions:

1. What do I want?
2. Where is this thing that I want?
3. Why don’t I have it?
4. How do I get it?
5. When will I get there?
6. Who am I, anyway?

And then get moving.

Take your answers to those 6 questions —

And hold them up against the day you’re actually living.

And then make at least one adjustment.

Because no —

It’s not easy facing the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

But it’s a lot better than the frustration of another day of the same old.

And if you’d like to explore this in more depth, feel free to contact me at mark@marknewtonpdx.com.

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Mark Newton has had 5 professional careers. He began as an architect in San Francisco and taught at the Academy of Art College while there. While still in the Bay Area, he followed his passion to build, working as a carpenter and becoming a building contractor. For over 20 years, he led vibrant communities of faith. Now, he is a full time men’s life coach living and working in Portland, Oregon — helping men get focused and get moving.