by Oli Anderson, Transformational Coach for Realness

“I’m not what happened to me, I’m what I choose to become” – Carl Jung

Life is not something that just happens to you—it’s something you actively create. The difference between being a passive observer and an empowered participant in your own story is enormous. The key to creating the life you want lies in one simple concept: bias for action. When you adopt a bias for action, you are no longer waiting for the perfect moment or for the world to change around you—you are actively driving your own journey.

This doesn’t mean you can control every obstacle that comes your way but it does mean that you can DO YOUR BEST AND ACCEPT THE REST.

Actually, what you can control is your response to those challenges. You don’t need to have the perfect solution every time, but you must keep moving forward. The power to continue pushing ahead, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity, comes from your ability to act. It’s not about having everything figured out from the start; it’s about knowing what you want and taking the next step, no matter how small.

When you do that, the next step will appear, then the next one, and then the next one…

The Power of a Bias for Action: BE, DO, and HAVE

If you want to take control of your life, start by deciding what you want to BE, DO, and HAVE. These decisions are the foundation of your true purpose. Don’t wait for the “perfect” plan to materialise—just start. Break your goals down into manageable chunks and begin the process of taking action, even if it’s just a small step each day.

The key to moving forward is consistency, not perfection. It’s easy to get caught in the trap of trying to do everything all at once, but that only leads to overwhelm. Instead, focus on incremental progress. Every day, make it a habit to take a small, purposeful action that brings you closer to who you want to become and what you want to create. Refuse to wait for things to happen—make them happen by adopting a bias for action.

Action: The Catalyst for Change

Whenever you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or lost in the chaos of life, know this: the only way out is through action. Action is the real force that shapes your world. It’s the antidote to doubt and confusion, and it’s the most reliable way to keep yourself aligned with the unfolding flow of life. This doesn’t mean doing things just for the sake of it – sometimes it’s better to actively do nothing so you can recharge and reflect – but it means that you always know why you’re doing what you’re doing and you’re not lapsing into passivity and inertia (which always leads to friction, frustration, and then eventual misery).

In a world that’s constantly evolving, action is your anchor. You don’t have to know exactly where you’re headed; you just need to keep moving forward. When you act, you engage with the world, and that engagement will always move you closer to your goals. Action creates momentum, and momentum is what will keep you in motion, even when things feel uncertain or slow.

More importantly, it will make you REAL because as you pick up speed all your illusions won’t be able to keep up and you’ll free yourself from old patterns and idenities (this is why I always get my clients to take action at the start of a coaching journey: it starts to reveal what’s real and what’s not).

Living with Purpose: Action Driven by Values

A bias for action becomes even more powerful when it’s aligned with your deepest values and vision. To live a fulfilled, meaningful life, you need a vision that transcends the ordinary day-to-day hustle. A clear sense of purpose gives you the motivation to act, especially during challenging times. Your real vision is linked to your core values, and when you take action based on these values, you not only elevate your own life, but you also contribute something of real value to the world (because you can “Make your values valuable to others” as it says in Personal Revolutions: A Short Course in Realness).

Whether your vision is to build a business, create a family, or contribute to your community, ensure it’s something that motivates you to take action every single day – break your vision down into goals and your goals down into habits and then ACT. Knowing your vision gives you the clarity you need to act decisively and stay on track, even when setbacks arise.

Momentum: Action Breeds More Action

The beauty of adopting a bias for action is that it creates a cycle of momentum. The more action you take, the more action you’ll want to take. Each small step you take towards your goal leads to more energy, more confidence, and more drive to keep moving forward. This momentum builds upon itself, propelling you towards greater achievements and helping you stay connected to your purpose, even when obstacles arise.

In moments of inertia or uncertainty, it’s essential to return to action. Ask yourself: What can I do today to move closer to my goal? Even if it’s a small, seemingly insignificant step, that action will break the inertia and put you back in control of your journey. Every action you take, no matter how small, keeps you in alignment with your goals and your mission because you can always learn from it and figure out what’s REAL for you and what’s not.

Conclusion: Make Life Happen with a Bias for Action

Ultimately, life isn’t something that simply happens to you—it’s something you make happen. The key to creating the life you want is not about waiting for the perfect circumstances or for someone to hand you the right opportunity. It’s about developing a bias for action: deciding what you want, committing to your purpose, and taking consistent steps toward your goals as you continue to learn and grow real.

Action is the most powerful tool you have. When you adopt a bias for action, you are not a passive passenger in your life—you are the driver. You move forward with purpose, regardless of the obstacles or uncertainties that may arise.

So, embrace the bias for action: get clear on your mission, take the next step, and keep pushing forward. Life is yours to create—make it happen.

Stay real out there,

*Based on ‘Revolution’ number two in Personal Revolutions: A Short Course in Realness

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