Many of us overcomplicate the concept of getting started. The fact is, what it takes to get started is the step, the domino-tipping action that feels so weighty until it’s done. Worrying about having all the supplies or waiting for a particular point in the calendar can bog us down with the extraneous details, distracting us from simply stepping on the starting line.
Start before you’re ready. ~ Steven Pressfield
I remember the day I decided to begin working out with a trainer. I wanted accountability, support, and some general arse-kicking to whip me into shape. But first, I needed the right pair of sneakers. Fun new workout clothes. Weight-lifting gloves. I definitely couldn’t get started without new gear, right?
At the time it was the second week of November. Pretty close to the holiday season. Probably best to start in the New Year. “I’ll call him first thing on January 3rd!” I thought.
Immediately, I felt a strange combination of relief (Whew! I don’t have to get started just yet!) and a clammy foreboding (Ugh! Will I ever really show up for myself and do the things I know will make all the difference for me?)
I chose to defy Resistance. I chose to get going from the shaky, unprepared place I was. I made the call.
Two days later, I walked into the gym in a ratty sweatshirt, old yoga pants, and sneakers with a hole at the end of my big toe on my right foot. I borrowed a pair of weight-lifting gloves from my trainer, and we got started.
An hour later, my arms and legs were gelatinous, and my spirit was soaring.
Piercing through the veil of Stuck was the leading domino to other changes in my life. I chose to get going on developing a new enterprise in earnest. I made plans to return to Europe after two decades of being grounded. I started to explore sketching and painting (which eventually led to ideas I developed in my book).
All because I didn’t wait to have the right gear to begin.
The night before last, I received a series of text messages from a cherished friend, Knight. He explained that he gifted a copy of BUOYANT to his friend, Meg.
She was headed to Mexico, and on the flight began reading the book. She was so inspired and excited, she didn’t wait to dive in-even without a journal. She did the exercises right inside the book!
Here is what she said:
“So we are on our way in a van to San Miguel – about an hour from the airport. Hey I am really enjoying the book – you are right – it isn’t just for entrepreneurs! I hadn’t realized I’ve sort of let myself get into a bit of a rut. And using my health issues as an excuse for not fully embracing a meaningful existence. Just sort of cruising in autopilot. The 5Ms will be a challenge… just doing a few of the exercises has gotten my brain working though! …”
I am excited at how much just starting to read the book has kickstarted some ideas loose in my brain! Looking forward to seeing what the practice … of The 5Ms might shake loose!”
Needless to say, when I read his text messages and saw the images of her sketch and journaling notes on the pages of my book, I nearly lost my mind with delight and excitement. Meg had chosen herself. She had chosen to believe in her future…what was possible for her. She decided to get started right where she was.
Her payoff was immediate. Getting going reignited her willingness and enthusiasm. She remembered she is a woman of untold creative power. She was eager to see what else she could create, call into being.
Is there something on your “Maybe Someday” list that is calling you? What have you ignored, shut out from your consciousness? What feels like a wild adventure that you long to experience, but you’ve placed several delay tactics in front of taking the first step?
What have you already decided is going to be on your New Year’s Resolution list?
Select one thing and decide to begin today.
Find the equivalent of your sneakers with a hole at the end of the big toe on your right foot. Walk out the door.
