So Do It Then - Action Speaks Louder: A Call to Law Enforcement
Have you ever caught yourself during conversations where you or someone else confidently declares, "I could do it too," or "I could be better"? These are words often spoken with passion and conviction. Yet, they can easily dissipate into the ether without action. Aaron Lohman, a sergeant in a major police department, once articulated this sentiment perfectly when he said, "People will always say, you know I could do it too, or I could be better than him or her, but no one is stopping you from actually doing it except you…so do it then."
Aaron's words strike a chord because they reflect a universal truth: the only thing standing between us and our aspirations is often our hesitation. It's easy to talk the talk, but walking the walk requires a different level of commitment.
Think about the people who inspire you—the ones who have achieved remarkable feats or overcome significant obstacles. They didn't get there by merely talking about it; they took decisive action. They embraced the challenges, accepted the risks, and persevered in the face of adversity.
So why do we sometimes fall short? Why do we allow doubt, fear, or complacency to hold us back? Perhaps it's because we underestimate our potential or succumb to the comfort of the familiar. But what if we dared to step out of our comfort zones? What if we viewed challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth?
The truth is, the journey from intention to action can be daunting. It requires courage, determination, and resilience. It means confronting our fears and pushing past our limitations. But with each step forward, we inch closer to our goals, realizing that the only limits that exist are the ones we impose upon ourselves.
So the next time you feel the urge to say, "I could do it too," why not follow it up with, "So I'm going to"? Take that leap of faith, no matter how uncertain it may seem. Start small, but start today. As Aaron reminds us, the only thing holding us back is often ourselves. And who knows what we might achieve when we summon the courage to turn our words into actions.
It's easy for officers to discuss their aspirations, to say they could do better, or to dream of making a difference. But as Aaron wisely pointed out, no one is stopping us from making those aspirations a reality—except ourselves. We have to be willing to put in the hard work, step up when others hesitate, and lead by example. It's through our actions, not just our words, that we earn the trust of those we serve and uphold the values of our profession.
Achieving your goals—whether related to your job or beyond—takes effort and determination. Nothing comes easy. If you've got dreams, whether it's excelling in your current role or pursuing something entirely different, you've got to put in the work. It's about taking action, grabbing opportunities when they arise, and refusing to settle for anything less than your best.
YES, this is a pep talk! AND a gentle nudge, a friendly reminder to push yourself harder. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget how capable you are. But you've got more strength, resilience, and potential than you give yourself credit for. So, the next time you feel like throwing in the towel or settling for less than you deserve, remember that you can achieve your goals by putting work in. Don't be afraid to push yourself beyond your comfort zone because that's where real growth happens. Embrace the challenges, seize the opportunities, and keep moving forward, and as Aaron says, "So Do It Then."
Find out more about Aaron (pictured below) at:
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