<p><strong>It states that the longer you postpone taking action, the less likely you will be to take it.</strong></p>
<p>Jim Rohn originally noticed this phenomenon and coined the term.</p>

The Law of Diminishing Intent

Self Improvement

<p>To counteract it the Law of Diminishing Intent, use the LEAP Principle, which <strong>states that you should never leave the scene of clarity without taking decisive action.</strong></p>

The LEAP Principle

<ul>
<li><strong>Lean into the change</strong> with confidence, especially if you are aware of the fact that a change is desirable or necessary.</li>
<li><strong>Engage with the concept</strong> until you have a fair image about it. Work with it until you’ve got a sense of what to do.</li>
<li><strong>Activate and do something</strong>. Don&#39;t wait until you feel you have all the information.</li>
<li><strong>Pounce and do it now</strong>. Once you’ve determined your next step, take it.</li>
</ul>

Taking a big LEAP

<!DOCTYPE html><html>
<body>

<noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-W8FKQJS"></iframe></noscript>

 <div>
<div>

<nav>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<a href="#">Close   X</a>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/blog">Blog</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/podcasts">Podcasts</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/planner">Planner</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/books">Books</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/courses">Courses</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/coaching">Coaching</a>
</li>
</ul>
<div>
<a href="https://twitter.com/michaelhyatt"><i></i></a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/michaelhyatt"><i></i></a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/michaelhyatt"><i></i></a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/mhyatt18"><i></i></a>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/about">About</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/team">Team</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/careers">Careers</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/speaking">Speaking</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/michael-hyatt-press">Press</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/support">Support</a>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<form>
<input/>
<button></button>
</form>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</nav>



<div><ul><li><a href="#genesis-nav-primary"> Skip to primary navigation</a></li><li><a href="#genesis-content"> Skip to main content</a></li></ul><header><div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/">Michael Hyatt</a>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<span></span>
<span></span>
<span></span>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div></header> <div>
<div><div><div><div><main>
<div>

<article>
<div>
<header>
<div>
<div>
<a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/category/main/leadership/">Leadership</a> </div>
<h1>How to Leverage the L.E.A.P. Principle for Big Results</h1>
<h3>4 Simple Steps to Beat the Law of Diminishing Intent</h3>
</div>
</header>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<img src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/avatar_user_2_1508963822-200x200.png"/>
<div>by <a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/author/michaelhyatt/">Michael Hyatt</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<div><span>0</span> words</div>
<div> Read it in <span>00:00</span> minutes</div>
</div>

</div>

<div>
<div><ul><li> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmichaelhyatt.com%2Fleap-principle%2F&amp;t=How+to+Leverage+the+L.E.A.P.+Principle+for+Big+Results"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="#"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;ro=true&amp;trk=EasySocialShareButtons&amp;title=How+to+Leverage+the+L.E.A.P.+Principle+for+Big+Results&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmichaelhyatt.com%2Fleap-principle%2F"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmichaelhyatt.com%2Fleap-principle%2F&amp;title=How+to+Leverage+the+L.E.A.P.+Principle+for+Big+Results"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="#"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="#"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="fb-messenger://share/?link=https%3A%2F%2Fmichaelhyatt.com%2Fleap-principle%2F"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="#"><span></span><span></span></a></li></ul></div> </div>
</div>

<div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<input/><p>The turn of the year is always a good time to evaluate what’s working in our lives, what’s not, and make any changes that will start us down a better path.</p>
<p>As we pause and reflect on where we’ve been and where we want to go, we normally have a sense of what to do. But that sense comes with a risk.</p>
<p>Even if it only represents an inkling of clarity about what to do, it’s imperative that you act immediately. If you don’t, you can fall prey to the <em>Law of Diminishing Intent</em>. <span></span></p>
<h3>The Law of Diminishing Intent</h3>
<p>I see this with people who set major <a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/shouldnt-bother-making-new-years-resolutions.html">goals for the year</a>. Let’s say they want to lose weight, write a book, or start a new business. Dreaming up big results can be emotionally satisfying and intellectually stimulating.</p>
<p>But getting started requires action. And that can be tough, even risky. After all, how can you…</p>
<ul>
<li>make room in your schedule for the gym?</li>
<li>find the hours it takes each week to sit and write?</li>
<li>know if your new product has enough demand in the marketplace?</li>
</ul>
<p>Those are all good questions. And they’re important to answer. But they don’t encapsulate the real risk. They don’t even come close.</p>
<p>The real risk is this: When facing these sorts of challenges, instead of taking action, we can coast on the good feeling of the dream without taking the necessary steps to see it realized.</p>
<p>The <em>Law of Diminishing Intent</em> says, the longer you wait to take action, the less likely you will be to take it. Jim Rohn originally noticed this phenomenon and coined the term.</p>
<p><img src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Diminishing-Intent-MH.jpg"/></p>
<p>To counteract it, I recommend using the <em>LEAP Principle</em>: Never leave the scene of <em>clarity</em> without taking decisive action.</p>
<h3>How to Beat the Law</h3>
<p>If you want to see a big change, you must be willing to take a big LEAP. It’s as simple as four steps, one for each letter of the acronym:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Lean</strong> into the change with expectancy. When you notice that a change is desirable or necessary, that’s the trigger. Determine to follow through. That inkling is all you need to get going.<p></p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Engage</strong> with the concept until you achieve clarity. Don’t let the feeling pass. Work with it until you’ve got a sense of what to do. That nagging thought in the back of your mind might be the start of a whole new adventure—or the ladder you need to climb out of a deep rut.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Activate</strong> and do something—anything. Sometimes we wait to move until we have all the information. That’s a mistake. <a href="https://michaelhyatt.com/clarity-about-the-future.html">Clarity comes in degrees</a>. And you only need enough light for the next step. Even if you get off on the wrong foot, the rest of the journey will become clearer as you go.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Pounce</strong> and do it now. Once you’ve determined your next step, take it. Don’t wait. Waiting feels safe, but waiting kills dreams.</p>
</li>
</ol>
<h3>LEAPing into Action</h3>
<p>I’ve seen high-achievers leverage the LEAP Principle time and again.</p>
<p>At one of the first meetings of my Inner Circle Mastermind, one of the members realized he needed to quit a professional organization he was a member of. The commitment was chipping away at his resources and not providing enough return.</p>
<p>He didn’t take a note. He didn’t schedule it for later that week. That would have left the issue unresolved.</p>
<p>And the delay would have allowed his intent to diminish. As he built up the complications of quitting in his mind, he would have found reasons to stay on board.</p>
<p>Instead, he left the room at the very first break, made a phone call, and resigned. He took a LEAP.</p>
<p>What about you? Don’t defer your dreams. Don’t delay your goals. Don’t procrastinate on the one thing you need to do today to make meaningful progress in your personal or professional life.</p>
<p>Take a LEAP.</p>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div><ul><li> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmichaelhyatt.com%2Fleap-principle%2F&amp;t=How+to+Leverage+the+L.E.A.P.+Principle+for+Big+Results"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="#"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;ro=true&amp;trk=EasySocialShareButtons&amp;title=How+to+Leverage+the+L.E.A.P.+Principle+for+Big+Results&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmichaelhyatt.com%2Fleap-principle%2F"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="https://reddit.com/submit?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmichaelhyatt.com%2Fleap-principle%2F&amp;title=How+to+Leverage+the+L.E.A.P.+Principle+for+Big+Results"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="#"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="#"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="fb-messenger://share/?link=https%3A%2F%2Fmichaelhyatt.com%2Fleap-principle%2F"><span></span><span></span></a></li><li> <a href="#"><span></span><span></span></a></li></ul></div> </div>
<div>
Last updated Monday January 27, 2020
</div>
<div>Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</div>
</div>
</div>

</div>
</div>

</div>
</article>
</div> 
</main></div></div></div></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<span>©2020 Michael Hyatt &amp; Company</span>
<span>
<a href="https://twitter.com/michaelhyatt"><i></i></a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/michaelhyatt"><i></i></a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/michaelhyatt"><i></i></a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/mhyatt18"><i></i></a>
</span>
</div>
<div>
<a href="/permissions">Permissions</a>   |   <a href="/terms">Privacy</a>   |   <a href="/support">Support</a>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div> </div>
</div>

<div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<h4>Related Resources</h4>
<button>
<span>×</span>
</button>
</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<script src="https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js"></script><div></div><script>var mowdcryhmkfqjcpy,mowdcryhmkfqjcpy_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){mowdcryhmkfqjcpy_poll(function(){if(window['om_loaded']){if(!mowdcryhmkfqjcpy){mowdcryhmkfqjcpy=new OptinMonsterApp();return mowdcryhmkfqjcpy.init({"u":"59.517043","staging":0,"dev":0,"beta":0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src="https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js",o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState==="loaded"||this.readyState==="complete"){try{d=om_loaded=true;mowdcryhmkfqjcpy=new OptinMonsterApp();mowdcryhmkfqjcpy.init({"u":"59.517043","staging":0,"dev":0,"beta":0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,"script","omapi-script");</script><div></div><script>var ovlfly9j5tnbibqa,ovlfly9j5tnbibqa_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){ovlfly9j5tnbibqa_poll(function(){if(window['om_loaded']){if(!ovlfly9j5tnbibqa){ovlfly9j5tnbibqa=new OptinMonsterApp();return ovlfly9j5tnbibqa.init({"u":"59.507398","staging":0,"dev":0,"beta":0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src="https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js",o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState==="loaded"||this.readyState==="complete"){try{d=om_loaded=true;ovlfly9j5tnbibqa=new OptinMonsterApp();ovlfly9j5tnbibqa.init({"u":"59.507398","staging":0,"dev":0,"beta":0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,"script","omapi-script");</script><div></div><script>var ze7f6dgdbbpkupey,ze7f6dgdbbpkupey_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){ze7f6dgdbbpkupey_poll(function(){if(window['om_loaded']){if(!ze7f6dgdbbpkupey){ze7f6dgdbbpkupey=new OptinMonsterApp();return ze7f6dgdbbpkupey.init({"u":"59.488117","staging":0,"dev":0,"beta":0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src="https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js",o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState==="loaded"||this.readyState==="complete"){try{d=om_loaded=true;ze7f6dgdbbpkupey=new OptinMonsterApp();ze7f6dgdbbpkupey.init({"u":"59.488117","staging":0,"dev":0,"beta":0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,"script","omapi-script");</script> <script>var voxavami9zi3gsgl0ine_shortcode = true;var mowdcryhmkfqjcpy_shortcode = true;var ovlfly9j5tnbibqa_shortcode = true;var ze7f6dgdbbpkupey_shortcode = true;</script>
<script src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-includes/js/hoverIntent.min.js?ver=1.8.1"></script>
<script src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-content/themes/genesis/lib/js/menu/superfish.min.js?ver=1.7.10"></script>
<script src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-content/themes/genesis/lib/js/menu/superfish.args.min.js?ver=3.1.2"></script>
<script src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-content/themes/genesis/lib/js/skip-links.min.js?ver=3.1.2"></script>
<script src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-content/themes/michaelhyatt-v4/js/mh-custom-scripts.js?ver=20200421a"></script>
<script src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-content/plugins/easy-social-share-buttons3/assets/js/essb-core.min.js?ver=7.2"></script>
<script>
var essb_settings = {"ajax_url":"https:\/\/michaelhyatt.com\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","essb3_nonce":"1ed550a232","essb3_plugin_url":"https:\/\/michaelhyatt.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/easy-social-share-buttons3","essb3_stats":false,"essb3_ga":false,"blog_url":"https:\/\/michaelhyatt.com\/","post_id":"34989"};
</script>
<script>
/* <![CDATA[ */
var genesis_responsive_menu = {"mainMenu":"Menu","menuIconClass":"dashicons-before dashicons-menu","subMenu":"Submenu","subMenuIconClass":"dashicons-before dashicons-arrow-down-alt2","menuClasses":{"others":[".nav-primary"]}};
/* ]]> */
</script>
<script src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-content/themes/genesis/lib/js/menu/responsive-menus.min.js?ver=1.1.3"></script>
<script src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-includes/js/wp-embed.min.js?ver=5.4.1"></script>
<script src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-content/plugins/optinmonster/assets/js/helper.js?ver=1.9.7"></script>
<script>
/* <![CDATA[ */
var __CODENERIC_UAM_GLOBALS__ = {"ads":[],"ajax_url":"https:\/\/michaelhyatt.com\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"};
/* ]]> */
</script>
<script src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-content/plugins/ultimate-ads-manager/public/js/public.bundle.base-2.4.1.min.js?ver=1"></script>
<script src="https://stats.wp.com/e-202024.js"></script>
<script>
	_stq = window._stq || [];
	_stq.push([ 'view', {v:'ext',j:'1:8.6.1',blog:'6442855',post:'34989',tz:'-5',srv:'michaelhyatt.com'} ]);
	_stq.push([ 'clickTrackerInit', '6442855', '34989' ]);
</script>

<script src="https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-content/themes/michaelhyatt-v4/plugins/plyr/plyr.js"></script>
<script>
		const player = plyr.setup();
	</script>
<script>
	    
	    $ = jQuery;
		
		
		function playepisode() {
			var audioElement = document.getElementById('audio-player-34989');
			audioElement.play();
		}
		 
		 
		var el = document.getElementById('play-episode');
		if(el){
			el.addEventListener('click', playepisode, false);
		} 
		
		
		
		
			
		
		var nextURL;

		function updateNextURL( doc ) {
		  nextURL = $( doc ).find('.mh-previous-post').attr('href');
		}
		
		// get initial nextURL
		updateNextURL( document );
		
		$(document).ready(function() {
			counter();
		});
		
			
		
		
		
	
		
		counter = function() {
			var value = $('.mh-article-body').last().text();
			
			if (value.length == 0) {
				$('.word-count').last().html(0);
				$('.read-time').last().html(0);				
				return;
			}
			
			var regex = /\s+/gi;
			var wordCount = value.trim().replace(regex, ' ').split(' ').length;
			var totalChars = value.length;
			var charCount = value.trim().length;
			var charCountNoSpace = value.replace(regex, '').length;
			var readTime = minTommss(wordCount / 200);
			
			$('.word-count').last().html(wordCount);
			$('.read-time').last().html(readTime);
			
			
			
		};
						

		
		
		
			
		function minTommss(minutes){
			var sign = minutes < 0 ? "-" : "";
			var min = Math.floor(Math.abs(minutes));
			var sec = Math.floor((Math.abs(minutes) * 60) % 60);
			return sign + (min < 10 ? "0" : "") + min + ":" + (sec < 10 ? "0" : "") + sec;
		}
		
		
		
		
	</script>
<div><div><div>Send this to a friend</div></div><div><input/><input/><input/><div><button>Send</button><button>Cancel</button></div><input/><input/><input/></div></div><div></div><script></script> <script>var omapi_localized = { ajax: 'https://michaelhyatt.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?optin-monster-ajax-route=1', nonce: 'bdebd28bcb', slugs: {"voxavami9zi3gsgl0ine":{"slug":"voxavami9zi3gsgl0ine","mailpoet":false},"mowdcryhmkfqjcpy":{"slug":"mowdcryhmkfqjcpy","mailpoet":false},"ovlfly9j5tnbibqa":{"slug":"ovlfly9j5tnbibqa","mailpoet":false},"ze7f6dgdbbpkupey":{"slug":"ze7f6dgdbbpkupey","mailpoet":false}} };</script>
<script>var omapi_data = {"wc_cart":[],"object_id":34989,"object_key":"post","object_type":"post","term_ids":[9,1379,1499,3076,996,176]};</script>

</body></html>

Bite‑sized knowledge
to upgrade
your career

How to Leverage the L.E.A.P. Principle for Big Results

The Law of Diminishing Intent

The LEAP Principle

Taking a big LEAP

How I See Me - Proctor Gallagher Institute

Working With The Law - Proctor Gallagher Institute

A Guiding Heart - Proctor Gallagher Institute

Bite‑sized knowledgeto upgradeyour career

How to Leverage the L.E.A.P. Principle for Big Results

The Law of Diminishing Intent

The LEAP Principle

Taking a big LEAP

How I See Me - Proctor Gallagher Institute

Working With The Law - Proctor Gallagher Institute

A Guiding Heart - Proctor Gallagher Institute

Bite‑sized knowledge
to upgrade
your career