When you face a major project in
your business, getting started can be the hardest part. Discover the four steps
that will get you moving.
Do you ever have trouble motivating
yourself to get started with a project? Whether it’s implementing a marketing
strategy for your business, writing the first words for an article, or changing
your eating habits, taking that critical first step is key.
A lack of sufficient motivation
keeps you stuck in the status quo. Fear of failure and criticism can paralyze
you. Self-doubt might creep in and undermine your confidence.
You could conjure up any number of
excuses to explain why you’re not taking initiative and moving forward.
But the reality is, nothing happens until
you take action. Thought alone doesn’t produce any result.
So how do you get past your
procrastination and get started? Following these four steps can help.
1 – Take time to think about why
you want to do this.
When you tap into the real
motivation that’s driving you, you’ll become more eager to take action, despite
any concerns that creep into your mind. Staying focused on that purpose will
inspire you and keep you going even when you encounter difficulties.
(By the way, if you’re “why” is not
strong enough, you may be pursuing this goal for the wrong reasons. And if
that’s the case, stop now and re-assess.)
2 – Visualize the desired outcome.
Paint a picture in your mind of
exactly what the result will look like. The sharper this image, the more likely
you are to take the actions necessary to make it a reality.
3 – Imagine the feelings you’ll
experience about yourself and the accomplishment.
Logical reasons alone are not enough
to keep you on course. You also need to engage your emotions. When you allow
yourself feel them intensely in your imagination, you’ll feed your drive and
enthusiasm.
4 – Identify one small step you can
take to get started, and take that step.
You can get overwhelmed if you think
of everything you need to do to reach an ambitious goal. It’s counterproductive
to dwell on the entire process at once. Instead, map out a reasonable,
realistic plan and zero in on just one thing you need to first.
Then determine the step you’ll take
the next day, and the next, until you’ve established a daily rhythm.
You’ll be amazed at what you can
accomplish once you make a beginning. Just get started. Take the first step.
Remember, your first effort doesn’t have to be perfect. What matters is action—making
progress.
If you ask most people who’ve
achieved great success, they’ll tell you that most of the things they
attempt don’t work. But they don’t let that stop them. They keep trying other
things because they’re confident that at least a small percentage of the things
they do will work. They know that the only way to get momentum going is
by taking action.
Don’t let the fear of failure or
criticism hold you back. If you find yourself hesitating, repeat this wisdom
from world-famous hockey player Wayne Gretzky: “You miss one hundred percent
of the shots you never take.” And then go for it!
"Sweat a little Be better"
Africa's finest!
Brian Pade
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