Dancing on the edge of possibility

Authority is rarely sufficient to get people to dance on the edge of possibility. – Seth Godin

Writing Prompt: Make a list of 25 ways you could take responsibility (without authority) if you cared more about changing things > more than credit, authority or blame.

What happens when we stop making excuses? What happens when we stop blaming others for the world’s (or our) problems? What happens when we take ownership?

Confidence, respect – dare I say, happiness – are all potential side effects. Other people might even be inspired to take responsibility too.

As Seth notes, “Regardless of where you are in the organization, you have the chance to step up.”

During the difficult times in your personal and professional life, it’s really hard to believe you have the power to make a difference. That’s when its most important to say “yes! I’m going to take action anyway.”

Let’s not kid ourselves. It’s not always going to be easy. It’s not always going to result in the change we want to see in our division, our company or our CEO’s perspective. But, it will result in personal growth.

So, here are 25 ways (personal and professional) I could start taking responsibility today:

1. Create an editorial and content style guide for my business unit.
2. Re-instate monthly content roundtables.
3. Be bold. Breaking through the (marketing) clutter requires a different way of thinking.
4. Listen more, talk less.
5. Continue to practice transparent communications.
6. Give positive feedback at least once a week to a co-worker.
7. Participate in a professional networking group at least once a month.
8. Complete my five Udemy courses by Aug. 2017.
9. Start the Marketing Writing Bootcamp.
10. Stop cheating on the new Paleo meal plan – it will get better!!
11. When the music starts, break out my over-30 dance moves with abandon. The Carlton, Roger Rabbit and Snake will never go out of style.
12. Attend Infuse Austin events at least once a month.
13. Sign-up for a wine-tasting course.
14. Start your gratitude journal.
15. Read the 10 books sitting on your nightstand BEFORE you purchase more books. #nerdproblems
16. Amendment to No. 15 – purchase the three books in your B&N cart THEN quit purchasing books until the now 13 books have all been read.
17. Decorate your desk to inspire creativity.
18. Quit being cheap and purchase the damn Mac.
19. Create a personal web portfolio. Intro developer course here I come!
20. Complete this list of 25 items. 🙂
21. Re-start letter writing with my nephew.
22. Start cooking healthy meals on weekends again.
23. Sign up to volunteer once a month at Dress for Success.
24. Discover and attend another women’s writing group.
25. Be brave and imagine a three- or five-year personal vision. Still be flexible because you never know what life will throw your way.

This post is part of  Seth Godin’s Leadership is not Management course on Udemy. Warning: posts are designed to be fast, not perfect.