Getting Started

“You don't need to go back in time to be awesome; you just have to start right now. Regretting that you didn't start earlier is a great distraction from moving on your dream today, and the reality is that today is earlier than tomorrow.” -Jon Acuff, Start: Punch Fear In The Face, Escape Average and Do Work That Matters

Taking up a new project or embarking on a new goal is challenging and exciting. The feeling of commitment and eagerness to undertake a new creative venture is both thrilling and daunting. Ideas are brewing but they are not real and tangible yet. Sometimes "starting" is the challenge.

Oftentimes I wonder - why is getting started so difficult when I feel so motivated and ready? What barriers or blocks are holding me back? I look at my feelings and question my thoughts. Is it fear, insecurity, lack of self-confidence, not enough time, too little knowledge, uncertainty.

Ultimately, the only way to begin and move forward is to break through these barriers. Here are some ways that have helped me get started:

• write - be honest and express your aspirations, blocks, emotions, fears, and ideas on paper

• make a goal list - be proactive and organize your priorities and time

• do the homework and research - get motivated and study current information or read up on new material

• stay positive, be positive - keep a good attitude, stay determined and persevere
• trust - believe in what you do no matter what obstacles lie ahead
• let go of perfection and have fun
• just start - plain and simple:-)

What have you been afraid to start? What solutions have helped you get started?

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