Let me start by the conclusion. I just finished reading John Izzo’s book – Stepping Up – How taking responsibility changes everything. At the end he writes a profound statement –
So repeat after me:
I am IT.
I can change things.
If not me to step up, then who?
If not now, then when?
What a tremendous book (I am finding time to read again!) about how we need to look within us as opportunities rather than outward with complaints and excuses. In his book, he talks about the power and potential we have if we just take those steps to initiate change. I really like how he talks about the fact that we can make change and to not be bound by the large task in hand. He talks about the Five Rows of Responsibility. This means that we have a circle of influence that we can initiate and impact that is around us. This is very similar to how I say that we should work to change the world, not through our eyes but of those around us because through our actions, if you work to improve the quality of life of those around you, through their eyes, the world looks different and you have changed the world…changing the world, one person at a time!
While reading his book and after, I told John that I was probably not the best person to provide feedback because I am already converted. I really do believe that it is about action over talk. I often see people who feel that there are so many reasons not to but they miss the most important reason to initiate change…themselves and the power they have. John talks about things like “Catch yourself blaming someone for a problem, banish victim thinking and acting from your life, challenge fixed mindset thinking, challenge assumptions, disregard the voce that says you can’t. As for ways to step up, find one thing, get together and talk about the future. All great insight!
I have always said it is about action and we are responsible. We need to take risks and I continue to take risks. For example, with John Izzo, I just happened to watch a news broadcast where he was talking about his book and thoughts. I decided to drop him a note and we have started emailing back and forth. I am glad that I took this initiative. I did the same with Drew Dudley. He is a speaker and on a couple of occasions, people said his TEDx talk was very much like mine. I have had the pleasure of speaking with Drew in the past and now we are emailing and talking more. Both John and Drew are reasons why we can accomplish and I am sure both will tell you that it is not always easy. I have always said that I would rather find things challenging so I can appreciate the success that much more…the more difficult the struggle, the sweeter the prize will be. I look forward to having more discussions with both John and Drew.
First action item for you, buy his book and see how you can step up. It is all about looking at possibilities and the world needs you right now! So again:
So repeat after me:
I am IT.
I can change things.
If not me to step up, then who?
If not now, then when?