How To:
Start Anything
Snapshot
Starting something big or small in your life can seem daunting. There are many reasons that prevent you from beginning the things that can change your life for the better. To start anything new you need courage to take on the unknown, you need to be resilient to handle obstacles and confidence in times of doubt. But most importantly you will need a goal and to establish your “why?” In this article we will discuss how to start anything and improve your chances of finishing what you started.
Class is in Session
How to Start Anything
People have plans to so start many things in their lives and yet they either never start or never finish. It’s time to change that.
The reason you never started towards your big idea, a weight-loss journey, a dream job, building a large bank account, etc. is because of the following:
- You didn’t know where to start.
- You didn’t know who to ask.
- You don’t have support or resources.
- You messed up and became disheartened.
- You were told you weren’t good enough.
- You didn’t progress fast enough.
- You got distracted.
- You were told to stop.
If this sounds like you then pick up the pieces, press the reset button and LFG (let’s f****** go).
Start
We’re not talking about starting your morning, starting a book, starting dinner, etc., we’re talking about starting something that takes time to achieve. We’re talking about something that invites obstacles and brings with it the fulfillment of accomplishment. We’re talking about starting that one thing you have been delaying for years and just need a reason to get going.
You have spent long enough thinking about doing. You can’t let fears, past scars or negativity get in the way of your goals, personal growth and discovering your talents. It’s time to move forward.
Determine your something
Now that we have reawakened the beast inside you, let’s figure out what you are going to start. If you know then you know. For most of you, your “something” is the first thing that came to mind when you started reading this article … or maybe it’s not. But determine whatever it is that you need start. This could be implementing regular exercise into your life, starting a foundation, creating a personal brand, becoming a sumo wrestler, flying a plane, etc.
Once you determine what you are starting you have to lay down a little bit of foundation. Finishing what you start is tough so to make sure you finish let’s add some roots to your “something.”
Make sure your idea has the following:
- You are ambitious about the idea of it. This “something” has steam behind it and you feel a sense of bliss whenever it crosses your mind.
- The idea excites you and the final result of your idea would bring you a lot of fulfillment.
- There is a sense of importance to your “something.” Not only would you have accomplished something incredible, but it would also help others in some capacity.
If what you have decided to start has some degree of these elements then you are destined to finish.
Specifically Your Why
You have decided what you want to start … now narrow it down and be more specific. Clearly articulate what your goal is, what you want to achieve, in what time frame and — most importantly — your why … why do you want to start your “something?”
For example, you want to lose 35 pounds, feel comfortable in your own skin, achieve in the next six months, because you’re getting married. Or, you want to start your own company within the next 24 months, create something that would help a lot of people and give you and your family financial freedom.
Establishing what and when you want to start and why you want to start will create a much clearer path for your vision.
Make your plan
You have decided to start. You have determined why you want to start. Now you have to make a plan so that the path to your goal is less obstructive and less daunting.
The path to achieving your goal is the always the most daunting. The idea of all the work involved is what prevents us from starting shit in the first place. But in all reality, when you ask people that have accomplished incredible personal or professional achievements the majority of them will tell you they enjoyed the journey more than the accomplishment itself. Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know.
Maybe you made plans before and things didn’t work out. But failure is the discovery of something that didn’t work. No more. No less. You have to stand up and keep going.
Making a plan means you have to look past your own fears, doubts, uncertainties and knowledge to test yourself and learn something new. Who you are, your limitations, your social status or the current position you are in doesn’t matter. When you take the steps to begin your journey, you will stumble and fall, but you will figure things out and grow along the way.
PLan and Commit
Your plan is your own. Only you know how your world turns. But we would like to give you a little nudge to help the process.
Since you have decided when you are starting and when you want to achieve your goal, now determine how much time a day you have to work on your “something.” This can be whatever time you have, but make sure it’s a nonnegotiable part of your day. For example, you spend one hour a day exercising because you want to feel better in your own skin and look great for your wedding. Assess your allegiance to your goal. Plan out your commitment in the way of time, energy, money, etc.
Commit to doing this.
If this is truly a journey worth your time and energy then make it nonnegotiable.
Assess potential obstacles and how you can work around them.
Find Support
Find the ones that know you best. These people are the ones whose opinions matter most to you and that will be honest to your face (you hope). These people know who you are, your dreams, your frustrations, the habits and patterns that you have. Tell them about your goal.
You don’t need to agree with what they tell you, take their advice or put any thought into their reactions. But you need to talk about your idea, get feedback (good or bad) in case you are missing a part to your plan. These conversations could enhance your ideas and excitement a little more and add a bit of outside perspective.
Getting feedback from those whose opinions mean the most to you will also test your commitment by overcoming any negative talk. Alternatively, they could cast light on potential barriers that you don’t see and need to be ready for.
Additionally, eliminate the things and people in your life that have become a major distraction, do not support you and cloud you with negativity. This doesn’t mean eliminate them for good, this just means see a lot less of them. You have to improve your environment.
Your environment overrides almost everything in your life. If your environment doesn’t support what you are trying to accomplish then you will struggle to make progress. Proximity is power. The closer someone is to you the more power and influence they will have over you. The people who are closest to you will accept you for who you are, but will they support where you want to go and the things you want to do in your life? If certain people won’t support what you want to accomplish then reduce their proximity to you and lessen the influence they have on your life.
Research and Gather Info
Take the time to research and gather information about the topic or activity you want to begin. This will help you understand and identify any necessary resources or skills such as equipment, coaches, education, or training you may need or benefit by having on your journey. Identify how and where you can obtain these resources and start acquiring them.
Identify others who have traveled on a similar path before you. Consider what it took for them and others who are at the top of the journey you are starting. What skills did they need, what was their ambition, etc.
Get Moving
It’s time to get moving. Make sure your process is void of major distractions, is very clear and cannot be broken. Your first step will be followed by your second step, and then another and then another. Each step represents progress. Waiting another day and not starting this journey is a loss, not just to you, but for anyone who can benefit from your progress, your ideas and your creations.
Perspective
Social media is filled with highlight reels of everyone’s life. The great times, great bodies, the cars, the jewelry, the trips, the planes are all more pronounced than ever. What you are seeing is a beautiful masquerade at its highest level. Do not confuse your envy of social-media perfection with the reason behind why you are starting. Start climbing the mountain to reach your peak and everything else will be the byproduct of your persistence and hard work.
