It’s not a great idea until someone does something about it.
You’ve been in those meetings. Lots of nodding. A whiteboard full of what-ifs.
Maybe even a few “Let’s circle back” comments floating in the air.
And then? Nothing.
No next step. Or ownership. In short, no movement.
That’s why you practice the Ignite Action habit. Because good ideas don’t create momentum—clear next steps do. You make sure the energy in the room doesn’t drift. You grab it, ground it, and move it forward.
And often, it starts here:
“This is good. What’s the first step we can take to make a plan?”
What It Means to Practice the Ignite Action Habit (Click on Image to Watch Video)
When you use the Ignite Action habit, you shift a conversation from exploration to execution.
You’re not shutting ideas down—you’re shaping them into motion. You don’t need a full strategy. You just need a starting point. A first step. A plan someone can say yes to today.
You don’t let people walk away wondering what just happened. You help them walk away knowing what happens next.
Why the Ignite Action Habit Gets Things Moving
You already know how easy it is to stall out in the “interesting conversation” phase.
When you practice Ignite Action, you prevent ideas from floating away and make them real. Fast.
Here’s what that habit builds:
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Clear accountability: people know who’s doing what, and by when
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Forward motion: even a small step breaks inertia
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Less rehashing: you don’t waste the next meeting repeating the last one
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Shared ownership: because next steps invite participation
Ignite Action doesn’t mean you’re in charge. It means you’re the one who made progress possible.
Why the Ignite Action Habit Gets Overlooked
Ideas feel good. Action feels risky.
It’s easy to stay in the brainstorm, because that’s where it’s safe. Once you suggest a next step, there’s weight. There’s responsibility. There’s a chance of getting it wrong.
So people hesitate. They say, “We should revisit this later.” Or, “Let’s let this marinate a bit.”
But later rarely comes. And marinating is just a fancy word for stalling.
When you practice Ignite Action, you cut through that fog—not by pushing people, but by giving them something to push toward.
How to Make Ignite Action a Habit You Lead With
You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a next move that’s clear, doable, and real.
Here’s how you practice Ignite Action:
1. Listen for when ideas start circling.
When the conversation starts feeling smart but stuck, that’s your cue.
2. Use your phrase to shift the room.
“This is good. What’s the first step we can take to make a plan?”
It’s collaborative. It keeps the energy. But it turns the corner.
3. Ask: who does what, by when?
A conversation without a name and a date isn’t a plan. It’s noise.
4. Get agreement in the room.
Don’t let next steps float off. Confirm them. “So you’ll take the first pass? End of week work?”
5. Make the momentum visible.
Say it out loud. Write it down. Repeat it. That clarity sticks.
Powerful Phrases That Reinforce the Ignite Action Habit
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“This is good—what’s the very next thing we can do?”
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“Sounds like there’s energy here. What would action look like?”
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“Before we move on, can we name one step to get this rolling?”
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“Let’s not lose this—what can we commit to today?”
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“What’s one way we could test this quickly?”
Three Mini-Personal Experiments to Build the Ignite Action Habit
These 30-day mini-personal experiments are designed to create change.
1. One Next Step Per Meeting
Start with this: in every meeting you’re part of this month, try to spark just one clear next step before the meeting ends.
Even if it’s not your meeting. Even if it’s a small step. The goal is momentum.
Ask: “What’s the first move here?” or “Who’s taking the lead on this?”
You’ll be shocked how often people thank you for the clarity.
2. Track the Drift
For two weeks, keep a short list of every meeting or conversation that felt productive but led to no action.
At the end of each day, reflect: Where could I have practiced Ignite Action?
This sharpens your instinct for spotting momentum gaps.
3. Make the First Step Easier
Pick one idea that’s been floating too long on your team.
Name the smallest, simplest next step. Then take it—or invite someone else to.
Announce it clearly. “Here’s what I just did to move this forward.”
Build the habit of shrinking the distance between idea and motion.
Practicing the Ignite Action habit means you stop waiting for the perfect plan—and start building progress people can see.
You don’t need to lead the whole project.
Just light the spark.
“This is good. What’s the first step we can take to make a plan?”
Are you looking to build more productive habits on your team. We can help. Learn more about our leadership development programs and SynergyStack® Team Building System.
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