Nobody ever reached their full potential just by thinking. Even the world's great thinkers and philosophers became teachers, writers or orators to give their ideas substance and their lives purpose. Thinking and planning are a uniquely human pursuit but it is in their execution that our plans lead to fulfillment and joy. Without action there may be many possibilities, but no reality.

So, what is stopping us from turning our thoughts into actions?

The list of roadblocks could include fear of failure, an attachment to our problems, waiting for the perfect moment, a lack of trust in how the world will react to us if we change, negative thinking, lack of confidence, inertia, fear of scarcity, being trapped within our comfort zone, not wanting to make sacrifices, fear of change . . . . Need I go on?

What can we do to overcome these roadblocks?

Sometimes these roadblocks are caused by negative self talk. We can challenge our negative chatterbox by making a list of all our excuses and writing next to each one what the truth is. For example if you are afraid of failure then look at all your past successes and remember what other people have achieved simply by having a go. Challenging each excuse can turn the negatives into positives that will encourage you to act.

If today were to be your last day on earth, what would you regret not doing?

When we have so many thoughts and dreams competing for our valuable time, one way of moving from delay into action would be prioritising something, making it so important that you are willing to make sacrifices and move out of your comfort zone to achieve it. Often, you have to make space in your life to achieve new things and you may need to give yourself permission to do this.

What could you do if you were really fearless?

Other causes of procrastination could be related to habitual patterns of behaviour. After all, it takes 80% of our energy to overcome inertia and only 20% to maintain movement once we have started. The first step really tests our resolve and once we have made the break it is a lot easier to form the second step. Making that first brave move always looks easy in retrospect. Think about how liberated you will feel once you have moved into action and act like someone with no fear. New experiences form new pathways in the brain that can support the development of new habits that can banish our fears forever.

To whom are you accountable for your actions?

Right now, send someone(a friend, a relative or a coach) an email and let them know about something you have been thinking of doing for some time. In an "action statement", let them know what you will do, why you want to do it, what difference it will make to you and when you will take action. You can follow up with the results and announce the next step in your journey. So, stop thinking and get yourself into action.

Beverly Nerden works in Sydney as a Life Coach helping people make the most of changes occurring in their lives. She is particularly interested in using her expertise and skills to help people who are struggling to feel at home in new locations. For more information go to http://www.lifeis4living.com.au