If you've read many books or articles about finding success, you know that one of the most critical aspects of reaching a goal is being motivated. The reason your motivation is so important is because it inspires you to do something about the goal. Without motivation, you might never take the first step toward a desired career or accomplishment. Action is essential to reaching any goal, and motivation is essential if you are ever to take action.

The reason most of us put off taking action and making that first move toward our dreams and goals is that we fear making a wrong choice. We are afraid we will take a wrong step. Actually, we might - action requires risk. Even so, the outcome of a wrong step is probably not nearly as devastating as we imagine it will be, so we often wait around about making the move in the first place.

The letters "ACT" form an acronym that can help you remember to take a step and not just procrastinate. The letter A can stand for several words. For instance, you must "accept" or "acknowledge" the fact that you won't get anywhere if you don't start now. Also, you might need to "ask" for help or "advice" to get off to a good start. If you are a praying person, you can acknowledge your dependence on God and ask Him for the help and direction you need. (A familiar Bible verse from the book of Proverbs states "Acknowledge him in all your ways and he will direct your paths.")

The letter C stands for "commit." In order to overcome your fears and let motivation spur you to action, you must commit the outcome to providence (or "fate" if you prefer). Let a higher being have control over the results that you can't really control. Perhaps, the C could stand for "chance." You have to take a chance on what the outcome will be. (Again - a Proverb tells us "Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.")

Finally, the T stands for "take action." When you've laid the groundwork of acknowledging your dependence and asking for help, and then of committing the outcome to providence, you are ready to take that first step. Figuring out what that first step will be is another discussion entirely. Hopefully you have looked at your goals and charted out a course of action. If you have, then it's simply a matter of letting your motivation make you take that step.

It's been said that journeys of a thousand miles begin with a single step. Similarly, great fortunes are made up of many, many pennies. And if you want to eat an elephant, you'll have to do it one bite at a time. Yes, these sayings are a little bit trite, but there's a lot of truth to what they say. Motivation to make that move comes from within, though. It will also have to come from within if you are to stay motivated enough to keep taking action until your dreams become realities.