The Art Of The Start

Some people have no problem setting goals. They know exactly what they want. They have plenty of ideas about how to get there, when they want to get there, and what they plan to do once they achieve their goal.   But sometimes these same people have a quirk that trips them up: they’re terrible at getting started.   Once they get the ball rolling, they’re fine. They hit their milestones, stick to their schedule, and do all the little things it takes get over the hump, finish strong, and realize their ambitions.   The problem is, however, that all that’s meaningless if they can’t take that first step. They think they need to get tough on themselves about it. Try harder, they tell themselves. Suck it up, buttercup, they say. Just get over it and get started, already.   Here’s a secret:  beating yourself up over a shortcoming almost never works.   Here’s a second secret. One that works:  accountability.  A Little Help from Your Friends  Here’s what I propose. Create and rehearse a start sequence for yourself – but make it public. Not to the entire world, but to your public. The public that matters. Use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, text groups, announce it at book club, or start a blog.  Make it a public launch:   "I registered for my first marathon, and my training starts on [insert date]. Follow my progress and cheer me on as I work toward my goal!" There’s an old saying from the world of theater and other performing arts:  There’s nothing like the imminent arrival of the audience to light a fire under your backside.  The same is true in this instance. Your friends and extended social group aren’t going to do any of the work for you, but if you know they’re waiting for you to start and they’re eager to track your progress, it will dramatically increase the chance you’ll actually get started.  Going public takes it to another level. It makes it more than an idea that only exists in your head. It makes it real.  That personal and public recognition will galvanize you into action and give you that extra push you need to get started.  Because for you, getting started is the biggest battle of all.  Clear that hurdle, and you’re well on your way to success.  Onward and Upward! https://www.drjeffspencer.com/ Ivan’s comments Goals What are you going to start? What SMART goal do you want to achieve? By when?  Chunks Break your  journey into bite size chunks - lots of little achievable goals Go Public Celebrate your successes with your audience.  Share commiserations and failures with your audience - ask them to hold you accountable and cheer you on !! Momentum build momentum -  heard a great definition of momentum at the Tony Robbins rock concert the other day.... momentum is motion with emotion  Have “Astitude” - Put your body into it - and shake your arse - literally - your “astitude” will determine your “attitude” (Joseph McClendon III)  Click here to find out more