Are you about to enter into retirement? Are you preparing for a major career shift? Whatever stage of life you’re in right now, David Nurse has some great insights, tips, and reminders for you. He’s a well-known author, a keynote speaker, a former NBA coach, and a mindset coach who can help you conquer the roadblocks to taking action. Read on to learn more about what things hold people back, how you can overcome them, and how you can pursue a fulfilling life. 

Why People End Up Not Taking Action 

David Nurse’s life is all about doing and taking action, so he wanted to delve into the reasons why people hold back. After performing extensive research, he found that the gap between where people are today and where we want to be is taking action. In his book, “Do It: The Life-Changing Power of Taking Action,” David Nurse presents nine reasons why people hold back and their action archetypes:

1. The allodoxaphobic: You are held back by the fear of other people’s opinions. 
2. The burned: Somebody burned you in the past, so you’re not taking action. 
3. The inopportune: You’re too young or too old to do things.
4. The blamer: Somebody else has to be at fault.
5. The test believer: You label yourself based on personality tests.
6. The perfectionist: Everything should be on point before you even take action. 
7. The scarciest: You hold on tight to something because somebody might get it. 
8. The distracted: You lose focus because of too many things catching your attention. 
9. The underestimator: You question your capability to do something because you come from a small or unknown place. 

Fear of Approval and How To Overcome It

Many of us fear what other people think about us. We wait for their approval before taking action. However, as they say, a 60% plan that’s executed is better than a 100% plan that’s never executed. 

Moreover, you keep worrying about other people’s opinions, but in reality, they’re thinking about you for around 10 seconds maximum. Plus, it’s helpful to remember that no matter what you do, not everyone is going to like you. In the 1972 presidential election, Richard Nixon won 60.7% of the popular vote. That may be the biggest landslide in presidential history, but it also shows that you can’t please everyone, and you have to be okay with it.

We often think about worst-case scenarios — our brain is wired for the negative. However, over 90% of the things we’re worried about don’t happen. Spending three hours a day thinking about worst-case scenarios is just a waste of time and energy. Even if something doesn’t go our way, it’s okay. You may have a funny story or sage advice to share with other people. 

In the end, focus on self-efficacy, where you act according to the type of person you want to be — not who you are or think you are right now. At the same time, don’t be afraid to put yourself in uncomfortable situations because that’s how you grow and create a unique bond with people.

Determining What’s Holding You Back 

It all starts with awareness. Which stage are you in right now? What are your goals 5 to 10 years from now? 

For example, Tim pictures himself helping families make an impact not just through money but also through values. He values generosity, but responsibilities and distractions get in the way and hold him back from seeing his dream through. 

Figure out what’s holding you back from your goals and start making changes.

What Retirement Is All About

Some of us may retire in our 60s, while others will retire in their 20s or 30s. For some, retirement means redefining your relationship with work. You want to transition into a new career, but something is holding you back. According to David Nurse, life is like a long hallway. You open one door and learn a lot. Then, you open another door and continue to learn. The process doesn’t end for as long as you live. 

You may think that once your job ends, you’re retired, and everything’s over. However, you can use the skills you’ve acquired to create a bigger impact. Don’t just think you need a particular amount of money to live a comfortable life in the next 10 years or so. Rather, learn how to have a compound interest and continuous cash flow to achieve your desired lifestyle.

Going Through Major Transitions Successfully 

Heading toward a big transition in your life? Having a coach creates a huge difference. Whether you’re looking for personal growth or investments, working with someone who has been there will make your life easier. When it comes to work, as long as you don’t turn it into your end-all-be-all, you’re good. Work is a gift. If you get paid for something you love doing, then that would be perfect. However, don’t forget about using your gift to impact other people’s lives. 

From the fear of approval to distractions and being a perfectionist, there are so many things that can hold you back from taking action. To overcome your fear and live a fulfilling life, have a clear vision. 

Think about your goals and purpose and how you can make an impact. Be okay with some people not liking you. Focus on what you want to be tomorrow. Find a coach and keep taking action and making progress!

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