Galvanize into Action
My mother, Ramona Dorfman, had a lot of sayings, some in English and some in Yiddish. When she wanted one of us kids (I was one of six) to get moving, my mom would say:
“Galvanize into action!”
I’m not sure where she got that phrase, but it’s a good one. Galvanize can mean “rouse, stir, electrify, fire, spur, animate.” It can also mean “to arouse to awareness or action.” What does it take to galvanize someone into action? What stimulus will startle, arouse, and impel you forward to action?
A downsizing will startle you. But will it galvanize you? Does it have the arousing and motivating effect that will produce positive action? In general, I don’t think so.
Some hardy and resilient people will galvanize into action and get going. But the rest? Many who lose their job will also lose their way. No one is ready for job loss. Most have no idea where to begin or what to do.
Once downsized, it’s up to the individual to galvanize himself or herself into action. But does the person affected by a downsizing know what actions to take?
Taking the word “action” as a framework, here are six tips for galvanizing oneself in the face of a major life setback:
- Attitude is everything. What is your attitude right now? Henry Ford once said, “If you think you can do a thing, or if you think you cannot do a thing, either way you are right.” If success is what you are after, then a Can-Do attitude is a vital component.
- Calling is the inspiring element. What is your calling? I believe that everyone has one. Your calling is that work that you are put on this earth to do.
- Team up with others. This is no time to isolate yourself. Who do you want on your team?
- Initiate every day. Do something every day that moves the ball down the field toward your goal.
- Open up. Be open to new ideas and to new thinking. Open up to others. Openly communicate your objective so that others can help you.
- Never stop improving yourself. Never stop learning. Never stop pushing. And never give up.
Maybe the real question is not whether life will jolt us—because it will—but whether we will choose to be galvanized rather than stay in a state of shock. Downsizing, loss, and disruption do not come with instructions. They simply arrive, often unannounced and unwelcome. What follows is up to us.
Action is not about flailing around in frenetic motion or blind optimism; rather, it is about purposeful movement, consistently going forward one step at a time, grounded in attitude, calling, community, and daily initiative.
My mother’s words still echo: Galvanize into action. Not tomorrow. Not alone. Not when it feels safe. Now.
Terrence H. Seamon
About Terrence H. Seamon
Terrence “Terry” Seamon is an executive career transition consultant who coaches leaders and professionals who are navigating through challenging transitions to change. He previously had a long career in the corporate world as a HR training manager in industries such as executive education, energy, telecom, and pharma-chem. The author of three books, Terry is also active as a guest speaker and leadership development consultant. Terry moderates the St. Matthias Employment Ministry, founded in 2007.
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