Many times we delay taking action because we don’t have enough information. In the “old days” it was a real pain to gather information. We had to go to the library, make phone calls, physically visit a business/house/person we were interested in, purchase publications, wait for our 5:00 News show to come on, etc. Of course now we have access to any information we want 24/7 – we just have to know what to look for and where to look.

If you are stalled and not even sure how to take action, start researching how others have done what you want to do. For instance, if you have always wanted to open an ice cream shop, start following other ice cream shop owners on Facebook, or look up information on Ice Cream franchises, visit an ice cream shop, look up financials on ice cream shops, ask your family what they like about ice cream shops, etc.

Perhaps you are looking for a new job . How about looking at the companies you WANT to work for rather than what is available? Have a conversation with someone who works for a company you would like to work for – really find out what it is like. Go on an interview with a company that you are “ok” not getting – great practice to see if you want to get back out there. Go to LinkedInand see who’s hiring and ask a friend to make an introduction.  Just gathering information sometimes either catapults us into action, excitement and energy OR gets us turned on or un-enthused and we decide to change course.

Maybe you aren’t using your Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts like you should because you have no idea how to promote, make changes, block those ridiculous applications like hugs, kisses, flowers and Farmville (sorry for those who love it).  Go to Mashable.com to find out everything you wanted to know about Social Media – it has been my #1 resource for figuring out Social Media.

Once you have done the research, you WILL Take Action – you will either be energized to take the next step or you will take action by closing the door on that idea. BOTH are taking action. Sometimes not pursuing something is just as valuable as, and many times smarter than pursuing. However, until you have done the homework, you may be stagnant and/or think it is a great idea – go find out IF it is a great idea.

Here are some resources you may want to consider when doing research: there are the obvious: Google, Bing, Ask, but others like Yelp, Angie’s List, Intute, About.com, Noodle Tools are great resources too. Not sure where to buy glasses, get a haircut, form an LLC, volunteer? Start researching so you can be informed to Take Action!