Haven’t you started yet?

Starting.  Whatever new dream, desire, goal, or adventure you have in mind – beginning something new is so difficult for some people (for some its finishing). If you are like me its beginning.  So many facts to find, papers to sort, decisions to make, and basically, you want to do it right the first time.  Time is so “precious” that you don’t want to waste a moment, so instead you prepare and prepare.   But then, nothing is accomplished.  Not today, not in a week, or even after a month of preparing.  Now what has been wasted is that “precious” time you were saving in doing it right. 

Have you ever tried to steer a parked car?   Beginning is a decision, it’s a choice, it’s making a plan and doing it.  Start with 10 minutes.  Set a timer.  Start somewhere!  Take your first steps and make your first video, write that first article or first blog, make that first phone call to a prospect, read that first chapter, take your first dive.  You know what will happen?  You will fail, mess up, or get dirty, but at least now you can steer and correct your mistakes.  Every attempt from then on will be cleaner, clearer, and done with more success. 

Why is starting so uncomfortable and the fear of failure so daunting?  At one time, you had to learn to walk, learn to ride a bike, learn to write cursive, or learn your times tables.  Every stage had its hardships and struggles, and it cost you something: ie. stretching your brain, your time, no TV.  You put the effort towards your goal and accomplished new skills once before in your life.  Now your dreams are larger, more complex, but they are still new and untried.   Just use the same determination to start. 

Did you have a parent or sibling help and encourage you as you learned to walk, ride a bike, throw a football? Did you have a teacher explain skills and mentor you in writing and math?  Surround yourself with like minded people today.  Join groups of similar interest to encourage and mentor you.  Their feedback can keep you motivated as you keep trying. 

Give yourself permission to try, to fail, to adjust your “steering”, and try again.  Successful people follow that pattern.  Are you an exception?  Remember what your first attempts at riding a two wheel bike looked like.  Focus on the goals of your future self and take those first steps.    Starting can be the hardest and most rewarding gift you give yourself this holiday season.