Make it Happen

It hit me this morning that it is my job to “make it happen”
I do remember someone saying they were complaining big time about all the things on their to do list that were keeping them from doing what they really wanted to do.  But examining the list they realized they were responsible for all the things they had committed to and that kept them from doing what they really wanted to do.  Easy fix.  Fixing may disappoint some, but it will inevitably lead to better outcomes.
I have found that one of the hardest things for volunteers to do is to say no.  Volunteers tend to think of themselves as super people.  They often are made aware of a need and volunteer to do it.  Just because it needs to be done.
The thing is though, overextended good will leads to burn out.  I remember a guy saying that if he is made aware of a need, he just does it.  To me that is a noble sentiment but often the motivation is good - but the consequences are not good.  I said to him that was the quickest way to burn out I know.
The thing is, often the person expressing the need is the one responsible for making it happen.  I have found in leadership the buck stops with me.  If it has to be done, it has to be done.  If not - it does not happen, and no one is burned.
I may not be passionate about a particular task, but I may know it has to happen.  If I can find no one willing to make it happen and I am the leader, it is up to me to make it happen.  Sometimes that means I need to do it until I find someone else who wants to, and is able to, do it - that is they are either taught it or take up the mantle because they have been there before, and it is what is in their heart to do.
The thing for me is I am very much responsible for leading myself.  The way for me to avoid “what might have beens” is to make it happen.  Often I do not know the full picture.  In those cases I get all the help I can and make a start.  To me imperfect incomplete is better than seeing nothing achieved.  So often there are others willing to help and provide helpful advice when I am willing to make a start.
Definitely starting can be the hardest part, but every journey has a starting point.  Often, if I want it, it is up to me to “make it happen.”