9 Benefits of Taking Initiative

Initiative means action. Get yourself geared up and sit on your motorcycle. You and your bike look fantastic, you’re both ready to go and it looks like you mean business. But now you need initiative to move off. Put the key in the ignition, turn it on and hit the starter. While looking in the direction you want to go, shift into gear, release the clutch and apply the throttle. Off you go.

It’s the same in life. Initiative means taking just one step at a time. You have the power to do that. And that’s all you ever need to take. They don’t have to be big steps, just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

9 Benefits of Taking Initiative

1. Control. While you can’t control everything that happens around you or to you, you can control how you respond. Better to be in a position where you’re free to make choices that align with your values and goals, rather than having decisions imposed on you.

2. Achievement. As Roxie Malone said in “Women, Motorcycles and the Road to Empowerment, “You can sit back and let life go by, or you can get on it!”. Taking that step is the first step towards getting things done and reaching your goals.

3. Confidence. Small successes set the stage for larger ones. Take note of your accomplishments. Success creates momentum and builds on itself.

4. Proactivity. Recognizing potential danger and then taking action to avert it nips problems in the bud. You may have been down a road before and have knowledge about a hazard no one else is aware of. Speak up so others will have what they need to make an informed decision.

5. Inspiration. You serve as a role model to others. Often, it just takes one person having the courage to take that step towards their goal, and others will do the same. Think of the possibilities if everyone was listening to their inner guide and marching towards their goals. Even if the steps are small, the potential for positive change is enormous.

6. Self-Awareness. Taking initiative is taking a risk. But it’s the only way you’re going to learn about yourself and your personal power. Once you start discovering your capabilities, you’ll want to keep going.

7. Creativity. Initiative creates opportunities and allows you to fuel your passion. Although you share the Road with others, no one else walks your steps. It’s up to you to recognize your gifts and share them with others.

8. Mistakes. If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not stretching and growing. One of the reasons it’s wise for new riders to purchase used the first time is that they’re going to damage it or they’re going to choose something they’re not happy with. While you want to be making informed choices and not risking safety, you gather the best information available to make your decision. Mistakes are one of the greatest teaching tools.

9. Fear Busting. You feel vulnerable when you take a step into the unknown. The greatest role of fear is to alert you to potential danger. The greatest trap is that you allow fear to prevent you from moving forward. Most fears are irrational and crop up when you’re trying something new and your ego is threatened by change. Take note of any real danger, acknowledge the irrational fear that is trying to protect you, thank it, park it and move on.

Always keep your eyes focused on where you want to go. Then use your power to engage your initiative and take the next step. You’ll be amazed at the success you experience and the positive energy you create.

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• 9 Ways Motorcycles Teach Us About Self Worth

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