Becoming a self-starter has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Sometimes I ask myself why I didn’t think of this sooner.
No longer do I blame other people for my own personal hangups – I take responsibility for them myself.
No more do I feel like I’m doing what I do just because I have to. Far from it, actually; it’s because I want to.
No further do I feel like the only people who can become self-starters are of a special breed… because I too am one.
What a self-starter does
- If he/she has a certain itch – just wants to try something new – the self-starter won’t hesitate to do it
- sees things through to the end, no matter how hard they may seem. Unless he is failing and making mistakes at a much higher rate than he succeeds, there is no reason for the self-starter to give up
- tries his best to wake up at the crack of dawn and works until the darkness of the night on the things he enjoys doing
- sees the value in constructive, but not destructive criticism (in other words, feedback that builds up from, not reinforces, mistakes that’ve been made)
- gathers insight and creativity from any and all things
- sees work and play as one and the same
- constantly tests assumptions
- takes responsibility for his own life and actions
- does whatever it takes to GSD (get sh%t done!)
- batches the little things while focusing in on the really tough tasks
- searches for the simple solution every time
- follows these rules:
What a self-starter does NOT do
- take no for an answer, when it comes to attempting something remarkable
- putting time and effort into things that aren’t aligned with his goals
- take breaks longer than he works
- give up
- obsess over the little things
- let fear rule over him
- watches television for extended periods of time
- make a plan to follow, a direction to stay true to
Why be a self-starter, you ask? Simply put, because anything YOU start is through your efforts alone. Nobody is forcing you to live up to some ideal, or follow some questionable creed. No one can claim it (your life, your self, your work) – no one but you.
Rebel’s Manifesto stolen from Lance’s awesome blog post at the Jungle of Life, and credited to Keri Smith of the Wish Jar.
photo credit: stuartpilbrow
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12 comments to “The Do’s and Don’ts of Being a Self-Starter”
Nice point about responsibility, the only way to be successful in life is to take total responsibility for yourself and your actions.
Joe´s last blog ..#13 The Theory Of Key Constraints
Thanks Joe. Take responsibility for both your successes and failures.
Hi John, I love that rebel manifesto!
Stephen Mills´s last blog ..To Vent or Not To Vent
Thanks to Lance for introducing it to me, and Keri for making it! Awesome stuff.
Hey John,
As you know…I’m a big fan of the Rebel’s Manifesto!! So – great to see you sharing it here! And – this whole idea of being a self-starter…so good. It’s up to us to create the life we desire. And that IS all about being a self-starter….in whatever it is our heart is singing. So – I love the lists you’ve created to go along with this, too!
Lance´s last blog ..What Does It Start With?
I guess you’ve found yourself another fan! It really inspired me when I saw it the past Sunday, so I figure, I’d share it here.
Thanks for everything and glad we could keep in touch.
John, this is great and very motivating as I endeavor to make blogging my career.
I especially resonate with the one of the don’ts: Don’t put time and effort into things that don’t support your goals.
You’re very wise indeed!
Thank you for this terrific post.
Angela Artemis´s last blog ..Intuition: You Don’t Have to Scare The **** Out of Yourself!
Hey Angela!
No, no, I’m not that wise. I talk about what’s on my mind that I’ve learned about life. Thanks for the compliment, though. Much appreciated
You’re welcome for the post.
Another great post John! Hey… I like your spiffy new look here on the Blog!
Love the Rebel’s Manifesto – that advice really sings for me. Especially liked 4. It’s so easy to lose the plot and get swayed across onto a different tangent. Blogging is such an imprecise science… and the goal posts are constantly shifting like everything here on the net.
Sometimes it’s good to remember that we each have our own stuff to put out there in the world. The best way how is in our own special way. Which I guess comes back to 2. Great stuff. Thanks John for making me think
Jean Burman´s last blog ..Let’s Get Passionate!
John: Great information and insights. Thanks for sharing. I think whaty ou said about the fact that being a self starter is reachable for anyone is so important. I know that it is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that only certain special people are given this ability, but the reality is that we can all choose to be self starters. We just have to set our minds to it and then go after it. Thanks for the inspiration.
Sibyl – alternaview´s last blog ..What You Must Do if You Want an Amazing Relationship
Killer post here!
Never giving up is what will make anything possible for you and following your heart is what will take you even beyond the life you imagine for tomorrow.
Eric´s last blog ..Lets Help Each Other: Monthly Experience (April – May)