JUST DO IT.

This phrase has been heard by our generation countless times, as is most often associated with the Nike brand. These three words, however, hold meaning and truth that many fail to realize. The power of this statement is swept under the rug due to its overuse. It has become mundane.

Recently, Shia LaBeouf took it upon himself to try and relate to people what this phrase actually means. If you’ve never seen the video, it’s about time you did (it’s Shia LaBeouf after all). If you have seen it, you can picture in your head the frustrated Shia as he does his best to tell us all that we need to get up off our butts and go out and do. Yes, we need to do. Neither me nor Shia – and not even Nike – can tell you what it is that you need to do, but you need to do it.

“Just do it” is a mantra. It is an internal motivator to tell us that we need to stop being lazy and meet the potential that each of us has stored within us. Maybe “Just Do It” means that you need to start that Sociology paper that’s due next week. Maybe it means that you need to call your mom and try and fix your relationship. It could even be as simple as going to the gym. I don’t know. “Just Do It” is what you need to figure out.

“Just do it” is a call to action. Once you figure out what you need to do, you should create a plan for action. Make a to-do list or set some practical goals that will help you “just do” whatever it is you need to. Goal setting doesn’t necessarily work for everyone, but the point is that you acknowledge what it is that you must accomplish and take the initiative to do it. Often times it’s easier said than done, but nothing is impossible. Like was mentioned before, what you need to do should be rational and you should take practical steps toward accomplishing it.

“Just do it” is continuous. Completing a task or a long-term goal is an amazing feeling, but you don’t have to stop there. Once you have accomplished what you need to, don't let that fire go out! Use that excitement to fuel another project for yourself. The feeling of pursuing something to completion is rewarding and should ignite a desire inside of you to keep doing it. Come up with something you need to improve, make another to-do list, or do whatever works for you, but whatever you decide JUST DO IT – and do it well.