What is the one thing you most want to do in your life, that you haven't yet even started? Look at your to do list. Or think about something you really want to do, that you haven't dared to even put
on your list. Starting an intentional community, or your own business.
Asking someone for a date. Going someplace you've always dreamed of
visiting. Learning something that would let you love what you do for a
living. Walking away from something that has caused you too much
unhappiness. Reconnecting with someone you really miss. Healing your
body (exercise, diet), or your spirit (meditation), or a broken
relationship. Why haven't you started?
If
it's a huge and imposing task or leap, break it down into manageable
pieces. Make the first step small, pleasurable, and easy. Some early
research., a phone call, a conversation.
If
you're afraid of failure, imagine what might happen if you overcame
that fear, and lived this dream you have, and contrast it to the worst
thing that could happen if you actually failed. Make a list of the
things you could do to mitigate both the likelihood of failure, and the
severity of consequences of failure -- like learning more, getting
someone to help you, or thinking it through carefully, alone or with
someone else. Now compare the best case versus the (mitigated) worst
case again. What would the first step be?
If
you're being held back by obstacles, list them, analyze them, and
deconstruct them. List the steps needed to overcome them. What's the
biggest obstacle, and what's the first step to getting past it?
Now, look at the first step, and just start: Today, Right now. No excuses. If you're holding back, break that first step into even smaller and simpler pieces, and do the first one.
If
you don't start, it could soon be too late. You (or someone who's
integral to this project) might fall ill or die, or a crisis (personal
or societal) could arise tomorrow that would put an end forever to an
opportunity that exists today.
Don't think too much. You can rationalize not
starting very easily (and you've probably had lots of practice)! Just
take that first tiny step. I bet once you take it, the next step will
be much easier.
No putting it off until tomorrow. You might as well put it off a century. First step. Right now. Stop reading this. Tell yourself what the first step is, imagine yourself doing it, successfully, tell yourself you're going to do it. Stand up.
Just start.
(the intriguing artwork is by rodrigo from this site)
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MADE IN CANADA
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