Action orientation

The above graphic of idea/plan/action illustrates the processes involved in the transformation of taking an idea (See: Ideation) to taking action so the idea is implemented.

Action orientation is "a style of responding to dilemmas or conflicts that is characterized by swift, decisive action to achieve mental and behavioral change. Action orientation has been suggested as a key moderator of cognitive control under demanding conditions, such that action-oriented individuals are better able to exert control under high demands than are individuals with a state orientation." (A state orientation is "a style of responding to dilemmas or conflicts that is characterized by prolonged analysis and assessment of alternatives rather than by swift, decisive action. The hesitation of state orientation thus leads to the perseveration of current mental and behavioral states.").

Characteristics of action orientation individuals

The phrase "Plan, Do, Check, Act" (PDCA) refers to a cyclical problem-solving and continuous improvement model. It is commonly referred to by the names of PDCA/Deming cycle/Shewhart cycle.

According to Leon Ho, founder & CEO of Lifehack, characteristics of action-oriented people include:

“

Proactive and Resourceful: They don’t just wait for opportunities; they create them. Decisive: They make decisions confidently and stand by them. Accountable: They take responsibility for their actions and outcomes. Persistent: They persevere through challenges and setbacks. Opportunistic: They recognize and seize opportunities. An action-oriented person might steadily climb their career ladder by continuously improving their skills, seeking new opportunities, and taking on leadership roles, leading to promotions and increased influence. Those who take action in starting a business often see growth and success through clear vision and consistent effort.

”

Decision making and urgency theory

See also: Urgency theory

Urgency theory is a "psychological and behavioral framework that explains how perceived urgency influences human decision making, motivation, and action. It posits that people are more likely to act quickly and decisively when a situation feels time-sensitive, high-stakes, or irreversible—even if the actual deadline or risk is artificial or exaggerated.

Journal article

• Self-efficacy vs. action orientation: Comparing and contrasting two determinants of goal setting and goal striving, Journal of Research in Personality. Volume 73, April 2018, Pages 35-45

Quotes

Dale Carnegie

• “The price of inaction is far greater than the cost of making a mistake.” -Meister Eckhart, German mystic

• “An ounce of action can crush a ton of fear.” -Tim Fargo, author, angel investor, and entrepreneur

• “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” - Dale Carnegie, writer and lecturer

• “Often the difference between a successful man and a failure is not one’s better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on his ideas, to take a calculated risk—and to act.” -Maxwell Maltz, surgeon and author

• “Action is the foundational key to all success.” - Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter and sculptor

• “The path to success is to take massive, determined action.” -Tony Robbins, author

• “The world has the habit of making room for the man whose actions show that he knows where he is going.” - Napoleon Hill, author

• “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.” - Wayne Gretzky, legendary hockey player

• “Do not wait till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” - William B. Sprague, clergyman and biographer

• “I think the number one advice I can give is: you just have to start it. Just get your feet in the water and do it. I learned a lot from just trying it out.” - Yoshikazu Tanaka, Japanese entrepreneur

Books

• Jump: Dare to Do What Scares You in Business and Life by Kim Perell. HarperCollins Leadership. April 11, 2023
• The Execution Factor: The One Skill that Drives Success by Kim Perell. McGraw Hill. September 10, 2018
• Book of Action: How to become an action oriented person to achieve success by Chris Byrd. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1st edition (August 18, 2017)
• Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy, Ram Charan and Charles Burck (Crown Currency; 1st edition (June 15, 2002)

See also

• Achievement orientation
• Goal setting
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Results orientation
• Mental toughness
• Psychological resilience

Opposites:

• Procrastination
• Rationalization (Psychology)
• Excusitis

External links

• 10 Action Oriented Skills and How To Improve Them
• Becoming Action-Oriented: Tips for Overcoming Inaction, LifeHack
• The Incredible Benefits of Being Action-Oriented by Greg Vanourek
• How to Be More Action-Oriented by Greg Vanourek
• What Is Action-State Orientation?
• How to establish an action orientation
• Mastering Action Orientation: Success by Steps, Not Feelings
• How do I become a more action-oriented individual?, AI
• How do I become a more action oriented individual?, AI

Videos:

• Action orientation videos - video playlist, Video playlist
• Are you an action oriented person?, video