You know, that fire in your belly which made you do things and step into the unknown without as much as a backward glance.
Do you have it?
Oomph is all about excitement, energy, and enthusiasm – but I think its more than that – it’s that something special that just sets some people apart from others; the ‘je ne sais quoi’ if you like.
Oomph is that twinkle in the eye which differentiates someone who sticks at a job they dislike and complains about it, from the person who loves what they do, who seems to have endless time, energy, and courage, to get things done and make the changes when life and work dictates.
I bet everyone reading this will have, at some stage, made New Years’ resolutions, or set goals, to be more active, to keep in touch with friends more, to do more with their children, volunteer more; only to see these goals and resolutions fade away. How often have we been inspired by someone else’s determination to make things happen and then used a myriad of excuses to justify why that couldn’t or didn’t happen to us?
People with OOMPH are everywhere in our communities – running the local football team or guides group, organising charity events. They are the people who don’t just talk about doing things – they get on and do things. They start new projects. They take on things others won’t. They get things done. They persevere when others give up.
And everyone can get the Oomph factor.
Eddie Izzard thought he could run 43 marathons in 51 days, on a diet of hot dogs and ice cream, with hardly any training. What a Comedian! Yet he did it. It even won him a Sports personality of the Year Award.
He also learned to do his stand-up show in French, German, Spanish, Russian and Arabic as well as English. Not bad for someone who was kicked off his accountancy degree course.
OOMPH is vital if you want to set up your own business, or if you’re looking to be promoted to be a senior manager, partner, or director – there’ll be no one around to tell you what to do or check if you’ve done it. You’ll need to take the initiative. And since things won’t always work out the way you want, you’ll need to have the perseverance to keep going.
What is the OOMPH factor?
Oomph is an attitude, a mind-set. Therefore absolutely anyone can have it. Oomph is about believing “I can …”. It’s about accepting that you might not be perfect straightaway, and doing it anyway – because that’s how you learn and become excellent.
So if there’s something you’ve been thinking about …
- Today many things are possible. Start by thinking “ok, what if I could do it or have it?”
- “What would I need to do to do or have it?” List out the things you might do.
- Then decide whether you’re prepared to do it. Can you be bothered?
Ultimately this is about taking personal responsibility for achieving the things you want to have and want to achieve.
And remember – success comes to those who do the things others won’t do.
So no more procrastinating, no putting things off; no feeling stuck; no waiting for others to make a decision for you.
Instead, decide whether you’re prepared to do what it takes. Take action. Be one of those people with OOMPH.