The powerful elements of action

I did some volunteer work this last week and it got me thinking about volunteering in general. It appears that there are four basic elements that must come together to make volunteerism work. These four elements are so powerful that their combination is also present in many of the creations and accomplishments of life.

The first element is ability. All of us have abilities, some in one area some in another but we all have them. For some, physical strength is their strong point and they are able to lift heavy objects with ease whereas others might have endurance as their attribute and can put in long hours without breaking their stride. Others have gifts of logic to think their way through problems, where some have the gift of compassion and work well with others on a personal level. Some are blessed with enthusiasm and the ability to share it with others. The fact is that we all have abilities whether we choose to recognize them or not.

Take a moment and inventory your abilities and note those that are your strong points and those you need a little work on but realize that they are yours, and thank your Father in heaven for these gifts.

The second element is willingness. This becomes a major stumbling block for many, but it is a necessary element in all that we do. There must be a willingness to give of ourselves. Actions that are taken by compulsion are not the same as those that are done willingly. A willingness to give makes all the difference in volunteer work.

When willingness is raised to the next level all kinds of magic happens. The next level of willingness is passion. That is the power of an exclamation mark in all we do. It is passion that makes the “possible” possible.

The third element is opportunity. Opportunity is the outlet for our efforts. As we go through life, if we are paying attention, there will be a myriad of opportunities that will be presented to us. Those opportunities will exist for volunteering, as well as all the other aspects that life has to offer such as education, friendship, investments, service, etc. The more we know the more we will be able to recognize opportunities that are presented to us. The more we act on these opportunities, the more opportunities that will arise. That is a big secret in life. The more opportunities that we let slip past us, the fewer the opportunities that will be given to us. Do not give up your opportunities.

The fourth and final element is action. Action is the verb that brings all the other elements together. If you have the ability, the willingness, and the opportunity then “Do It”. Most often it is just that simple. “Do It”.

Why is it we should let anything stand in our way? Why do we let fear step in and take hold when there is really nothing to base that fear on? Why should we compare ourselves to others and think ourselves short and then do nothing? This is not what makes the “possible” possible for us. We must be the ones willing to step forward and recognize the opportunity. We must be the ones to utilize our abilities to make things happen; we must be the ones to take action.

As I was thinking about these four elements, the power of them began to become more visible and I realized that these four elements go far beyond just that of volunteer work. Many great and noble accomplishments in the history of man have roots in these four elements. As I ponder many of the inventions, creations, and achievements of mankind I can’t help but link all of them to these elements.

The question then becomes, “If it works for others so well, why not put these elements to work for myself”? The fact is we do though we don’t always realize it. Perhaps this means there is a fifth element, the one called faith. Faith in God, and in yourself, and in others. After all, isn’t it faith that makes way for belief? As Napoleon Hill would say, “What ever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve”. So why not think that the possible that belongs to others can also belong to us? Why not believe that these elements belong to us just as much as they do for any other?

Maybe by being a little more cognizant of these elements we will open ourselves up to more of the world of the possible. It certainly seems worth the effort. It certainly couldn’t hurt. Let’s “Do It” and see what happens.

This is Ed Nef with a view from the Farr West.