The idea of getting started on a project seems fascinating, at first, whether it be getting fit, writing a book, doing more exercise, or learning a new skill.
At these joyful moments of goal-settings, we start imagining the glory of results and enjoying the thoughts of a successful ending. The next moment, we find ourselves craving for achievement, preparing for a perfect start. But, as soon as we get to the moment of taking an action, we panic!
- Is this the right moment to start?
- Do I know enough about it? Maybe I should search a bit more?
- Is this the right thing to do?
- Maybe I start tomorrow after I am fully rested?
- What if I can’t finish it?
- What if the result I have in mind is not feasible?
and the list goes on.
We all have that hesitant narrator who keeps us in the comfort zone. Whenever we want to take action, its voice becomes louder to distract us by gilding the lily.
But, If everyone has this negative narrator, why do some people have the ability to start their dreams…others get stuck in a never-ending procrastination phase?
Successful people know how to tame that narrator…others let it lash out at them…
In this blog, I am going to share with you some of the strategies that successful people use for taming the overprotective lazy narrator inside their heads. Just keep in mind that changing an attitude takes time…be patient and kind to yourself, you will get there. I promise!
Don’t let low-confident fearful voices stop you from chasing after your dreams….
Why Getting Started is So Hard
(with some advice to ease them)
1. You look at the finish line and it’s far away
Don’t think about the ending now. This is a problem for future you. You should not expect to go from step 1 to 100 in one move, so relax! Having a big picture in mind is great only if you do not put your entire focus on that. If J. K. Rowling was only measuring how much work was left to finish the Harry Potter series, she would not have passed the first paragraph.
2. You are scared of failing
You haven’t started yet, so how do you know that your plan will fail? Who is telling you that you are not good enough to achieve success?
- Yourself? Let me remind you that you haven’t started, so you can’t be sure unless you try it.
- Those people who haven’t dipped their toes in this idea? Well, If they knew any better, they would have tried it themselves!
- Those people who have some experience in this area? Great that you found them! Listen to their feedback and learn from them to optimize your plan, but remember that they don’t have your perspective, abilities, and talents!
3. You get caught up in the details, too soon
I should confess that I am sometimes guilty of this. Instead of starting the project, I procrastinate by looking into unnecessary details. I build the whole project in my head and get satisfaction by imagining the idealized images of outcomes.
The best strategy to combat this one is to remind yourself that you know enough to start step 1. You can take care of the rest during the process.
4. You compare yourself with others who are halfway through their journey
Looking at those people gives you the feeling that they have much more knowledge than you can possibly have. For example, if you want to become a financial adviser, the number of terms and applications that you need to learn can be overwhelming. But remember as soon as you start step 1, step 2 becomes more clear…you will have a more clear vision…you make connections…you feel more confident…so don’t worry about the next steps and just focus on the start point. Most people have started at your place.
5. You are procrastinating
We all are guilty of it at some point in our life! You might tell yourself, If I make one cup of coffee, then I start writing that essay (which I was supposed to finish by now). The truth is coffee is not your problem, or the untidiness of your room, or the dishes in the sink! All other tasks can wait. Instead, tell yourself, I will write for 25 minutes and then make a cup of coffee for myself. Good chances that you don’t want that coffee after that time.
How to Take the Bold Step of Getting Started
Here are some strategies that you can take before getting trapped in your head:
- Break down the project
Instead of looking at a big project, break it into small actionable tasks. Since accomplishing each of these tasks takes less time, you observe your progress as you go along. As a result, you will see a boost in your confidence and feel more productive. - Start small
Start with an effortless task that requires minimum mental capacity from you. For example, if your goal is to write a 10-page essay, start with writing the first paragraph. If you plan to do more exercise, put all your gym clothes ready by the door. - Celebrate small achievements
Reward yourself whenever you accomplish a task. The reward can be as simple as a 1-minute happy dance or a 5-minute break, basically anything…you choose! The most important part is to acknowledge your achievement. - Set your deadline
If you always struggle to start early and find yourself rushing at the last minute, try to set an earlier deadline. Be committed to your new plan and of course, make sure your timing is reasonable. To push yourself further on getting started, set a timeline for different parts of the project. For example, for finishing your essay, say that I will finish the Introduction by Monday 9:00 p.m. and the Conclusion by Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Being specific here is gold! - Look back and learn
We all have our unique work style. Look back to your experiences and try to find a pattern that worked for you, then do that more often.
The Bottom Line
The start point is where you step outside of our comfort zone to create your future self. That’s where you feel the most resistance. Successful people do not rely on willpower to push them forward. Instead, they create a system that navigates their actions. Prepare for your next start.
