Stop Trying to Figure Out "How"!
Sometimes you just don't know where to begin.
Whether it's starting a new project, writing an article, beginning an exercise program, tackling a huge homework assignment, or launching a new business, the first step always feels like the worst step.
In my own experience, I've found that there's only one reason we get stuck at the beginning of any new endeavor...
We get stuck on the way when we should be focused on the why.
To paraphrase several of the key people who have had a tremendous impact on my life and career, "how is none of your business!" In other words, if you'll define your why, you'll eventually find the way.
Now I realize that it seems counter intuitive, for some, to get started on any worthwhile project before they know exactly how everything is going to fall in place.
Trust me, I've been there; and that "paralysis by analysis" cost me years of progress towards my highest aspirations and goals.
Here's how you can break through that inertia and build the momentum you need to achieve the things that are most important in your life: 1.
Take a few minutes, a few hours, or even a few days to get crystal clear on why you're going to take on this new adventure.
Once you fully understand the value, importance, and significance of what you're trying to accomplish, you're giving yourself the ammunition you'll need to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead.
2.
Make a commitment.
This is where most people drop the ball, get it all backwards and, as a result, never accomplish what they set out to accomplish.
Logic tells us not to commit to anything we haven't fully figured out.
But again, "how is none of your business.
" Commit to the vision you've just embraced and trust the process.
Life will reveal the way when it knows you're committed.
3.
Just get started! Right here, right now, with whatever you have in this moment.
Don't let what you don't have stop you from taking the first step.
The results you get on your first try may not be perfect.
Honestly, your first effort might totally suck; but you will have started, and that's huge! Now you can make any adjustments and corrections you need to do it better next time, and the time after that.
4.
Write it down.
There's something powerful about getting it out of your head and onto paper.
Now, I'm not talking about setting a goal at this point.
You're not ready for that yet.
Instead, just dump all of the thoughts, ideas, and to-do's swimming around your head onto a sheet of paper.
This simple step brings clarity to your mind and helps you to clearly see your next move.
5.
Prioritize and eliminate.
What are the things you just wrote down that are going to get you closer to your destination? What are the items that are trivial and may not even need to be done? Take care of the ones that have can have the greatest impact first.
Take care of them at the time of day when you are at your very best.
What you'll find is that all the trivial and minor things seem to fall into place, or eventually fall off, if they become unnecessary.
6.
Concrete and sand.
What?! That's right.
Or should I say write? One of my mentors once told me, "Goals are in concrete, but plans are in sand.
" At this point, you should have the clarity to set a solid goal.
So definitely do so, but make sure you write it down.
Just remember that even though the approach or plan to reaching that goal may change even daily, the goal will usually remain the same.
Here's the litmus test (or acid test, which ever you prefer): Make sure the goals you set are ALWAYS tied to your why.
The reason so many goals are set but not met is simply because they are not compelling enough to follow through on.
And they're not compelling enough because they are not attached to something we've predetermined to be worthwhile.
QUESTION: What has how been stopping you from accomplishing in your life? SUGGESTION: For the article called, "How You Can Get Away with Procrastinating and Still Accomplish All the Important Stuff," send an email to me, and you win it for free! R.
Duane Huff Message.
Music.
Motivation! duane@rduanehuff.
com
Whether it's starting a new project, writing an article, beginning an exercise program, tackling a huge homework assignment, or launching a new business, the first step always feels like the worst step.
In my own experience, I've found that there's only one reason we get stuck at the beginning of any new endeavor...
We get stuck on the way when we should be focused on the why.
To paraphrase several of the key people who have had a tremendous impact on my life and career, "how is none of your business!" In other words, if you'll define your why, you'll eventually find the way.
Now I realize that it seems counter intuitive, for some, to get started on any worthwhile project before they know exactly how everything is going to fall in place.
Trust me, I've been there; and that "paralysis by analysis" cost me years of progress towards my highest aspirations and goals.
Here's how you can break through that inertia and build the momentum you need to achieve the things that are most important in your life: 1.
Take a few minutes, a few hours, or even a few days to get crystal clear on why you're going to take on this new adventure.
Once you fully understand the value, importance, and significance of what you're trying to accomplish, you're giving yourself the ammunition you'll need to overcome the obstacles that lie ahead.
2.
Make a commitment.
This is where most people drop the ball, get it all backwards and, as a result, never accomplish what they set out to accomplish.
Logic tells us not to commit to anything we haven't fully figured out.
But again, "how is none of your business.
" Commit to the vision you've just embraced and trust the process.
Life will reveal the way when it knows you're committed.
3.
Just get started! Right here, right now, with whatever you have in this moment.
Don't let what you don't have stop you from taking the first step.
The results you get on your first try may not be perfect.
Honestly, your first effort might totally suck; but you will have started, and that's huge! Now you can make any adjustments and corrections you need to do it better next time, and the time after that.
4.
Write it down.
There's something powerful about getting it out of your head and onto paper.
Now, I'm not talking about setting a goal at this point.
You're not ready for that yet.
Instead, just dump all of the thoughts, ideas, and to-do's swimming around your head onto a sheet of paper.
This simple step brings clarity to your mind and helps you to clearly see your next move.
5.
Prioritize and eliminate.
What are the things you just wrote down that are going to get you closer to your destination? What are the items that are trivial and may not even need to be done? Take care of the ones that have can have the greatest impact first.
Take care of them at the time of day when you are at your very best.
What you'll find is that all the trivial and minor things seem to fall into place, or eventually fall off, if they become unnecessary.
6.
Concrete and sand.
What?! That's right.
Or should I say write? One of my mentors once told me, "Goals are in concrete, but plans are in sand.
" At this point, you should have the clarity to set a solid goal.
So definitely do so, but make sure you write it down.
Just remember that even though the approach or plan to reaching that goal may change even daily, the goal will usually remain the same.
Here's the litmus test (or acid test, which ever you prefer): Make sure the goals you set are ALWAYS tied to your why.
The reason so many goals are set but not met is simply because they are not compelling enough to follow through on.
And they're not compelling enough because they are not attached to something we've predetermined to be worthwhile.
QUESTION: What has how been stopping you from accomplishing in your life? SUGGESTION: For the article called, "How You Can Get Away with Procrastinating and Still Accomplish All the Important Stuff," send an email to me, and you win it for free! R.
Duane Huff Message.
Music.
Motivation! duane@rduanehuff.
com