Tip to Stand Out #28: Take Initiative—Be the Person Who Makes Things Happen

Hey Friends,

Most people wait.

• Wait for permission.

• Wait for the right moment.

• Wait for someone else to take the lead.

But the ones who stand out are the ones who take initiative.

They don’t wait for someone to hand them an opportunity.
They create opportunities.

Core Lesson:

Taking initiative makes you instantly more valuable—in business, relationships, and life.

✔ Leaders notice action-takers.
✔ Clients and employers trust problem-solvers.
✔ People respect those who make things happen.

If you want to stand out, don’t wait—start.

Actionable Steps to Take More Initiative:

1. Spot Problems & Offer Solutions

   • Instead of pointing out issues, ask: “How can I fix this?”

   • The best leaders don’t just identify problems—they solve them.

2. Act Before You Feel Ready

   • If you wait until you’re 100% ready, you’ll never start.

   • The best way to learn is by doing.

3. Go the Extra Mile Without Being Asked

   • Most people do the bare minimum.

   • The ones who stand out take extra steps—because they want to, not because they have to.

4. Follow Through & Finish What You Start

   • Taking initiative isn’t just about starting—it’s about seeing things through.

Real-World Example:

Think of Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks.

• He didn’t invent coffee, but he saw an opportunity to turn Starbucks into something much bigger.

• He took the initiative to study coffee culture in Italy and brought the café experience to the U.S.

• He didn’t wait for someone else to do it—he built Starbucks into a global brand.

That’s the power of taking initiative.

Call to Action:

Where in your life have you been waiting instead of taking action?

✔ A project you’ve been putting off?
✔ A skill you want to learn?
✔ A challenge you can solve instead of complaining about?

Reply to this email and tell me: What’s one thing you’ll take action on this week?

Waiting gets you nowhere.

If you want to stand out, take initiative and make things happen.