Journey To Success Part 3: Taking Action
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Journey To Success Part 3
Taking Action
If you’ve missed the previous posts for the Journey To Success please use the links below to catch up. Be sure to read the comments and replies as they can often add a wealth of information to the original post.
Develop Specific Goals to Attain Your Dreams
Thank you to everyone that left comments, tweeted, Facebook’d and bookmarked the posts, your help and input is always valued and appreciated.
Following on from part 2 where I explained how to create a plan that helps manage your time and helps you focus on the steps you need to take, it’s now time to take action.
Please Note: A plan is not a plan until you start taking action to achieve the steps detailed within the plan, until that time it is just wishful thinking.
So, are you ready to start taking action?
Good, we’re on the same wave length. The first thing you need to do is make sure that you have the tools in place that you’re going to need. Don’t worry there are plenty of free tools available on the internet so cost isn’t an issue, yet. 
Note: I create eBooks, Video Tutorials and work on Websites so free tools that I would use are:
Open Office: Is a full office package that is free to download and is used by many for the purpose of creating eBooks due to its built in PDF creator. With just the click of a button you can turn your word documents into eBooks.
Cam Studio: Is another free application that will allow you to create screen capture videos that you can upload to YouTube. This is a great product for building your confidence before rushing out and buying a similar program.
PageBreeze: Is a free HTML editing program so you can create and edit your websites and pages both in HTML code or in WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get).
Google: Is our best friend for many reasons and is the best resource available for finding the tools that you need, If they’re different to the ones mentioned above.
Once you have the tools in place it’s time to start Taking Action on your plan.
If your plan involves creating an eBook you would download and install Open Office. Then open the writer program and across the top of the page type in your provisional title followed by Draft Copy. Below that list the chapter titles that you noted down in part 2 when you created your plan. Once you have all the chapter titles in place move your cursor down to a fresh page and enter the first chapter’s title and start writing the content for that chapter. Then follow suit for each additional chapter, but remember this is your draft copy and doesn’t need to be perfect at this stage. The important thing is that you start following your passion and pouring it into your creation, by taking action!!
If your plan involves creating a website please don’t make the same mistake I did and try building your own from scratch. I spent over 6 months creating my first site and it was crap, pure and utter crap! There are ready made templates available, in fact I have a package that may help you, turn your speakers down before you visit Guru Style Mini Site Templates. If they don’t suit your needs don’t worry, visit our friend Google and search for some there. If you can’t find what you’re looking for you may consider having one built for you, in which case I’d suggest visiting Planet Divinity but obviously there will be a charge.
When you have your template in place open it with your HTML editing program and start entering your categories and relevant items within each category. Remember it’s a draft and you’ll come back to change and expand on things many times before you’re happy with it so be patient.
You will get stuck a few times and probably find yourself staring at your screen trying to muster your thoughts. When this happens don’t get frustrated just grab your pen and notepad and come away from it. As you start to relax your thoughts will become clearer and you’ll start getting some aha moments, make a note of them for when you come back to it and you’re good to go again.
Above all else remember:
A plan is not a plan
until you start taking action to achieve the steps detailed within the plan.
Until that time it is just wishful thinking.
I hope that you have found this post useful and that it helps you start taking action to achieve Your Dream. If so please pass the word to others that you feel may benefit from it and if you use Twitter or any other Social Networking sites use the tools available below to help pass it on for me please.
The Journey To Success is a series of monthly blog posts. If you would like to keep up with the series pop your name and email address in the boxes below and I’ll send you an email every time my blog is updated.
As always I love to receive your comments, whether you’re a newbie that took something from the post or a more experienced blogger that can add some further value to it, I would love to hear your views…
Until next time, start taking action…
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Hi Barry,
Great free tools for starting your plan of action. I like your post because it explains things in such a way that you will not get overwhelmed.
Action is the master gear that cranks everything else. We must all remember even if you take action and spent a lot of time and got little done or your just having a bad day took action and feel like you got nothing done, trying to go forward may seem difficult, DON’T GIVE UP! As long as you are taking action you’re cranking!
There will be good days and bad days. The main thing is that you keep your action constant. Stay focused, be patient and reasonable with yourself.
If you get frustrated don’t get emotional with negatives. Fill yourself up with emotions of “I’m going to beat this road block and stay focused and do what I must to solve my problem”. Look at things as a challenge that you are going to beat rather than have things defeat you.
Of course there will be times when you will get a lot done. When completed no matter how hard or easy it was, you will have a great feeling of accomplishment.
As you get through tasks and problems your Actions will have nurtured your being. Accomplishment because of your actions is a wonderful natural high.
Catch you later Barry,
Terry Conti
Terry Conti recently posted..Action- The Master Gear that makes Everything Happen
Hi Terry,
If we look at the big picture of starting to follow our dreams it can become very overwhelming, which is why we need to focus on one step at a time and take action on just that step until it’s completed and then we can move onto the next step.
We are, and will accomplish, nothing without taking action. That applies to pretty much everything in life.
You’re right to point out about not giving up Terry, even if we only achieve really small steps we are still moving in the right direction
Stay focused, be patient and reasonable with yourself I couldn’t have put it better myself Terry
Catch up soon my friend,
Respect and Regards,
Barry
Twitter: ExtremeJohn
I have followed your series of post about journey to success Barry and I say you are awesome. We cannot achieve success without careful planning and setting up of goals. If we act without properly thinking things thoroughly, we might end up doing things all over and failing again and again. Focus on one step at a time– that’s indeed the right way to do it. Thanks Barry for helping us focus on one step at a time with your journey to success posts.
Extreme John recently posted..Friday Free For All: Do You Interact on Twitter?
Hi John, thank you very much for following the series and of course for the compliment.
As you know John it all starts with an idea, followed by focused thinking, then planning and then we have to take action on those plans and sticking to them as best we can.
One step at time and we can walk for miles, try running to quickly and we get a stitch and stop altogether.
Thanks John, have a great weekend my friend
Respect and Regards, Barry
Hi Barry:
You have done it again, such a solid, full of contents and informative post. It is based on crucial points needed for ones existance successfully online.
Extend this article little more and it is an ebook, sell it or give it away.
This will certainly take your traffic a few notches higher.
Keep up with your oustanding efforts, readers get the information and you get more readers and traffic.
Fran A
Hi Fran,
It’s funny you mention turning it into an eBook, because i’ve got a trick up my sleeve on that front, but more on that later in the series
Thanks for the compliments and support Fran, I was only saying yesterday about the support from fellow bloggers when my mum was really bad, it’s been priceless Thank you
Future Readers: I’ve just come from Frans blog and her latest post is a great read that all bloggers should take 5 minutes out to read. Simply hit the CommentLuv link and go straight to it.
Thank Fran, have a great weekend
Respect and Regards, Barry
Twitter: deeannrice
Barry,
Love the free products that you have listed. I have Micorsoft Office and Camtasia Studio so I don’t use Open Office or Cam Studio but have tried them before and they are great.
I have never used PageBreeze before. I went and downloaded it and like it. I am always looking for an easy HTML editor and that one looks really great. I have Dream Weaver but really struggle to use it properly as it is way beyond my knowledge.
Putting a plan in action always seems to be the most difficult thing for a lot of people. Most everyone can put a plan together and be GONNA do it but the GONNA part never seems to happen.
Thanks for the tips on how to put the plan in action so the GONNA part actually takes place.
Have enjoyed reading your series of post.
Dee Ann
(dofollow)
Dee Ann Rice recently posted..How to use RSS, part II.
Hi Dee Ann,
Glad you liked the free products, I like to point people to free resources when I can. I actually use Cam Studio Pro now, but obviously had to pay for that. One day I’ll get Camtasia, I like the thought of being able to edit
Was it easy to used to?
I’m glad you like PageBreeze Dee Ann, it’s funny how the free ones can be easier to work with sometimes. I like MS Frontpage myself but that’s discontinued now.
I think many of us struggled getting a plan together and puttting it into action when we first started, I know I did. My problem was never really being able to join the dots and going around in circles.
I’m aiming at helping people put a stop to that in this series.
Thanks for the feedback on the series so far Dee Ann
R&R Barry
Twitter: IanIebablog
Hi Barry
Your absolutely right mate a plan without action is meaningless and just wishful thinking.
Having the right tools in place is just as important as the planning and being organised, preparation is key to success.
The free tools you mention Barry are excellent and I can personally vouch for the Cam Studio that you recommended I use recently.
Yes; during our journey we will hit the occasional stumbling block, but the most important things is to never give up, stay focused and keep a disciplined mind-set every day.
Great post Barry; you hit the nail right on the head! (Couldn’t resist the “Tool” concept)
Catch up soon buddy
R&R
Ian
(dofollow)
Ian Ieba recently posted..Taking Action – Specific Steps Leading to Your Goals
Hi Ian,
How you doing these days?
Another way of looking at is to ask ourselves whether we would sit in the car, map (plan) in hand and not drive anywhere? Day after day, week after week, month after month? Of course not, but so many do it online…..
Having the right tools in place is paramount for the success of completing any job and when we can grab them free of charge it removes another hurdle that could be holding people back.
It’s good to know that you have got started with Cam Studio Ian, how are you finding it?
I’ll be covering stumbling blocks in more detail in the next post of this series, but yes you’re right Ian it is all about having the right mindset.
I’m glad that you liked the post Ian,
Speak soon mate,
Respect and Regards, Barry
Twitter: adriennesmith40
Another great post my friend chalked full of awesome and much needed information while on this journey.
You did share some really great free tools as well. I’ve used the majority of them but do have some paid services that I’ve had for a long time but if I didn’t, those would be the free ones I would use.
Planning is crucial for any business. It’s like spending money on an ad and you don’t even know who your target audience is. Without the proper planning, it’s all just a waste of time and sometimes money.
I’m looking forward to the rest of your series so I’ll be back. Until then, enjoy your day and your weekend as well. Hope the family is doing well (or as well as can be expected).
Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..The Coolest Ad Network I’ve Ever Seen
Hi Adrienne,
Having the tools in place is a must and is quite often the reason for people not following their dreams, which is a shame when there are free tools available online. For example: I’d love to have Camtasia but can’t afford it yet
so Cam Studio (Pro) is the tool I use so as to continue my video tutorials until such time that I can afford Camtasia.
Yes proper planning is crucial for any business Adrienne, it’s a shame that so many people don’t realise this and try doing things from memory. Hopefully people are seeing the importance of creating a structured plan and will start to do so, without it they are wasting their time, effort and as you rightly said their money.
I’m glad that you’re enjoying the series Adrienne, thanks for the feedback.
Mum’s settled in quite well now, she’s still very confused but now realises that she’s confused and her mind plays tricks on her. We still have bad days but at least the battles have stopped.
Thanks for the well wishes Adrienne, catch up again soon.
R&R, Barry
Twitter: jameshughesblog
Hi Barry
Good post and awesome blog.
You’ll have to give me some tips on how to increase my alexa ranking!
All the best
James
Hi James, welcome to my blog.
I’m glad that you liked what you found when you got here
Tips for improving Alexa Ranking? Regular posting and replying to every comment is always a good way to start improving it James.
Hope to see you again soon James.
Cheers, Barry
Twitter: learn_to_blog
Hi James, it also helps to claim your site at Alexa and you can use some tools there for free too. There’s a video on how to do it on my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/learntoblog1?feature=mhee.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Twitter: Dawn_Kay
Hi Barry
I think that’s why many people don’t get to where they want to be online to be honest.
Because they don’t have a plan in the first place so how the heck do they know what action steps they need to take???
Some more free tools that might come in handy when you’re creating an ebook are Jing for taking screenshot pickys and Mindmeister for planning your ebook.
I hope you’re going to be adding your journey to success stories into an ebook Barry.
They are an inspiration to many and need to be seen by more people.
Take care
Dawn
Dawn Kay recently posted..Sally Neill – What Would You Do Differently And Why?
Hi Dawn,
You’re absolutely right, without a plan in place people will never get to where they want to be. Could you imagine trying to drive across country without a map or sat nav? Only a madman would consider trying that, yet so many people try to do it online.
Thank you very much for adding some free tools Dawn, it’s very much appreciated.
Great minds think alike Dawn: At the end of the series I will be releasing an eBook, where I will be expanding each of the posts, including some of the tips left in comments and links to those that left the tips, such as extra free tools Dawn
Future Readers
Jing is available from: http://www.techsmith.com/jing
and
Mindmeister is available from: http://www.mindmeister.com
Thanks Dawn, catch up soon
Barry
Great post Barry,
You reminded me of a saying from my days of selling….
“Action Conquers Fears!”
Taking action makes things happen, and suddenly we get less afraid of moving forwards… that first step is often the big one….
But then Confuscious did say – “A Journey of a thousand miles – starts with a single step” … or something like that
Randy
RandySmith recently posted..Results At Last for PGB2.0 + An EXTRA Cool Bonus:)
Hi Randy,
Action Conquers Fears, is a great saying that many of us should pin above our desks as a constant reminder.
As is “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step”
Likewise, your own saying about “eating an elelphant starts with a single bite”
All great sayings that highlight the same point, we get nowhere without taking action with anything we attempt in life
Cheers Randy, catch up soon mate.
R&R Barry
Twitter: learn_to_blog
Wow, really like what Randy said ‘action conquers fear’ as it is so true!
Great post, Barry. The free tools you mention are so helpful, and I have just upgraded to Camtasia 7 so am learning how it all works. It’s really good, you’ll love it!
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy, Happy Birthday for tomorrow in case you’re off partying for the day
Yes Randy’s saying is an excellent one that simply drives home the point.
Free tools are always a big help, especially when someone is new to working online as they can often be concerned about start up costs. By eliminating that cost it invites more people to try and follow their dreams and passions.
You’ve made me envious now Mandy, Camstasia 7 is on my wish list
Have a great day tomorrow Mandy
Respect and Regards, Barry
Twitter: learn_to_blog
Barry, talk to Kathy Dobson, she had a goos offer on the license. It may still be available, I bought mine the week before she told me, but it really was a steal.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Mandy, thanks for the heads up.
I’ll pop her an email next.
Catch up soon Mandy
Barry
The most important for business success is to believe in success and never give. Believe that if you have taken the first step on the way to success then later or sooner you will manage to achieve the final goal. Don’t get into despair when you make mistakes. Err is human. Analize your mistakes, make the right conclusions and go ahead!
Terje Sannarnes recently posted..How an Entrepreneur Can Find New Business Ideas
Hi Terje, welcome to my blog.
You’re absolutely right Terje, we have to believe that we can become successful, anything less will just hold us back.
I like what you said about analizing mistakes: As this is a very important part of reaching our goals, Analize, correct and keep moving forward.
Thanks for adding value to the post Terje,
Barry
Twitter: kathydobson
Hi Barry…
I just loved this post because I am also a student of Universal law.
It’s amazing that people sit around and day dream and think they can manifest in the physical realm…
It’s all about taking the action steps…that attract energy and fill our visions with physical substance.
In order to att”act” we must “act”…
Thanks for the gentle reminder and starting my morning off right
Hope all is well with mum.
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
Hi Kathy, I hope that you’re well.
I didn’t know you studied Universal Law I bet that causes some head aches, it would for me
I agree that it is amazing how people sit and day dream about creating success without actually doing anything to help bring it about. We must take action to achieve anything and our dreams should be more than just anything.
I like the line In order to att”act” we must “act” very fitting and so very true.
My mum has calmed down a little now thanks Kathy, we’re having more good days than bad ones at the moment and when we do have a bad day it’s no where near as bad as it was some months ago, thankfully.
Thanks Kathy, it’s always a pleasure seeing you here.
Respect and Regards,
Barry
Twitter: kathydobson
Barry…I was just noticing your “highlighter tool”…very cool!
Another way to get interaction…brilliant!
Kathy
Kathy Dobson recently posted..Blog Like an Expert
Hi Kathy, yes it is a great tool. I have created a video demonstration of it if you’re interested in using the plugin:
Catch you up very soon kathy,
Barry
Hi Barry,
Nice post.This is the most important step to take.I guess the plans which are not implemented are called fantasies.?Thats why it is so important to take action.
Hi Shivam,
You’re absolutley right, plans not acted upon are nothing more than fantasies.
If we’re keen enough to make a plan we owe it to ourselves to act upon it, otherwise why waste the time in the first place?
Every step is important but taking action is the most important of all.
Cheers Shivam,
Barry
Hey Barry what a great post you i am not ever missed to your journey of your success.and i believe we are the one making our dream all we need to do is step one at a time take it easy and enjoy life at the same time and everything you’ll get thanks for sharing your thoughts i am so glad that i stop by here.
Hi Nickie, welcome to my blog.
I’m glad that you’re following the series. You have the right mindset Nickie, we are in charge of our own results and by taking action they’ll come around.
At the end of the series Nickie I’ll be expanding each post and creating an eBook from it. If you would like a free copy join my mailing list and you’ll be amongst the first to get a copy.
Thanks for commenting Nickie,
Barry
Hi Barry,
Did I miss something here ?? hehehehe… yeah, I’m back from Vacation. But not for long. But now, most important is go back in right circle, work and be in Action.
In Post you give most powerful things where can people get things for work online. And this your page Heavy Metal Marketing is special. Wild look !! Nice work !
Regards
Alex
Hi Alex, good to see you again. I hope you and your family had a great vacation. Are you off again soon then Alex, ok for some
It’s important that people have the tools in place before starting their work, that way there’s nothing to get in their way except themselves.
Glad you liked the Heavy Metal Package Alex. There’s a free template available on the site, if you’re interested in creating web pages.
Catch up soon Alex,
Barry
Hi Barry! Taking action is where I struggle
I could make plans all day long, but I get easily distracted and start reading emails, forums and so on. I just got WriteRoom, which is a tool that makes your screen black and you only see what you’re typing. It’s great to focus on your writing, if you have a distractions challenge like me….
Susane
Hi Susane, welcome to my blog and thanks for commenting.
Many people struggle to stay focused in the same way Susane. My advice would be to set times for checking emails, ie 1st thing and then last thing of the day. When it comes to forums I’d say visit them in times of need or when you’ve completed your daily tasks.
I’m glad that you’re taking steps to stay focused, it’s only then that you’ll get things done.
Barry
Twitter: samanthaluy
It was wholeheartedly inspiring to read this entire series, Barry! I love how you make everything sound completely achievable.
It’s such an important point that a plan is just wishful thinking without action. That first step is often the hardest part. As an insignificant example, I often procrastinate on writing articles, but once I start writing one, everything else just flows!
I think reading posts like yours are duber helpful because they make that first step less intimidating. Once we get started, we can access that flow that builds like a snowball! =)
Thanks so much for inspiring me to take action on my dreams, Barry! =) Hugs!
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..Streets and Roofs: Who Are You in Your Environment?
Hi Samantha,
Thank you for taking the time to read the whole series, so far, and giving me your feedback. I will be turning the series into an eBook and expanding each posts to include some of the comments received.
Yes the first step is often the hardest. So many people hold themselves back and just sit thinking about their dream rather than taking action and trying to achieve it. I done this myself when i first started online, so i’m hoping that this series helps people overcome that hurdle.
I’m thrilled that the post has inspired you Samantha and wish you every success.
Have a safe journey on your 2 week break and make sure you have FUN.
Catch you up upon your return Samantha,
Respect and Regards, Barry
Hi Barry,
A great motivational post, I like it!
Taking action is key and persistence is also important. It’s far too easy to give up when you hit a hurdle. However one other thing people should think about is being happy.
I started IM out of necessity. I had bills to pay and I was living in a foreign country and if I wanted to stay there, failure was not an option.
So I grabbed the nearest IM ebooks and courses and began devouring them. A few years later I had a steady business growth. But when you get to where you are going you need to make sure that the business you choose is one that you enjoy and will keep enjoying for years to come.
If your not happy a few years down the line, your stuck with a job you don’t enjoy, unless you sell your business of course. So I think it is important to let everyone know the importance of spend time thinking carefully about the niches they chose to grow into businesses and the seeds they plant – for those seeds might one day grow into trees!
Thanks for inspiring to me to write this reply Barry!
John recently posted..Internet Marketing Minefield: Here’s the Roadmap
Hi John,
Thanks for leaving such a detailed comment John. You’re absolutley right John we do need to be happy in our work.
I will be creating an eBook from The Journey To Success series of blog posts and the best comments will be included in the eBook, attributed to the comment author and linked to their blogs.
Guess what John, your comment will be included.
Thanks again for adding value to the post John
Respect and Regards, Barry
Twitter: igorGriffiths
Barry thank for the link to Pagebreeze as I need an alternative to Kompozer which is becoming increasingly temperamental and all too often shuts down just at the point after a big html update.
It is no longer necessary to always pay for software as thanks to the passion of others there are free options for most problems you need to solve
I like you spent a while learning how to create websites and soon became a dab hand with shtml coding, this allows you to separate your web page content from its menu structure or side bars, thus enabling you to update the entire site structure without having to amend each page.
With the discovery of WordPress, I realised that this was a far more time efficient method of creating sites.
It is still necessary to have some knowledge of html coding but the requirement to be a coding master is no longer required.
igor
Hi igor,
I also had issues with Kompozer igor. It would close unexpectedly, it’s icon would vanish from my desktop and whilst using it for a salespage of mine it started playing up so I switched to an alternative HTML editor to finish the page off and when I uploaded it the text turned into some form of Chinese looking symbols. Meaning I had to start all over again
Yes there are some excellent free programs out there that enable all of us to get started without having the extra exspense of having to buy them.
I’ve never worked in shtml coding igor. Was it hard to master?
Catch you up soon igor,
Respect and Regards, Barry