5 Ways To Start
Lao Tzu once said “the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”, but what he didn’t tell us was how hard that first step was. We all make excuses about why we can’t start. From we don’t have time to we don’t think we’re qualified. But if we can just get past that first step and start, we can accomplish anything.
That’s why I’m writing this, to help you just start. I have compiled 5 ways to get past that first step and start your next great adventure.
#1 Forget Perfection
Perfection is one of the biggest enemies to progress, yet we all seem to strive for it. We don’t start that couching business, that YouTube channel, that membership site, etc until we have everything “perfect”. But the truth is, perfection is a myth.
We all can improve and grow. There will always be more we can do and better equipment we can buy. But if we wait for perfection, we will never start and that can’t be an option. To start, forget about perfection and focus on the best. Focus on the best you can do, the best you can offer and start.
#2 Use What You Have
So you want to start a YouTube channel, but you don’t have a camera and a lighting set up? Are you putting off launching your coaching business until you have a state of the art membership site? Instead of waiting for “all the things” just use what you have.
For YouTube, cell phones are amazing for shooting videos and even editing them. Apps like VideoShop has some great features including sound effects and voice overs. What about that coaching business? Forget about the membership site for now and just use an exclusive Facebook group and PayPal.
The trick to starting is using what you have at your disposal. If you stop waiting for something else to come along or extra money to purchase better equipment, you will always find excuses to not start. Instead, just use what you have and start.
#3 Use What You Know
Not sure what kind of videos to make or what services to offer or what book to write? Start with what you know. Are you skilled at excel or WordPress? Why not film a series of How To’s? Or offer a digital course on WordPress website development?
Using what you already know to start gives you an edge. It makes the topic more natural so that it comes easily and flows.
#4 Have Fun
Starting something new can be a lot of work. Filming, editing, designing and building a website, writing and editing a book, and the list goes on. It can be overwhelming and cause you to put off starting. But the trick to starting is making it fun. Whatever you start, it should be something that lights you up and excites you. It should be something that you loose track of time doing and get excited at the thought of starting each day.
Do you love writing code? Why not teach that to others? Show them how much fun it can be! What about finances? Do you love crunching numbers and seeing people’s lives changed? Why not become a financial coach? What about your watercolor hobby? Can you offer a digital course or group classes? The sky’s the limit and starting isn’t daunting when you’re having fun.
#5 Let Your Fear Fuel You
Are you simply afraid to fail so you’re not starting? That is probably the most common reason one does not start. Fear can be a real problem, but it can also be what drives you. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I say that your goals should reflect your dreams, not your fears. But fear can be one of the most effect fuels in business.
When we are afraid of failing, it shows us that we care about the thing and it’s important to us. That should tell you it’s worth fighting for. So remember, the next time you’re afraid, are you more afraid of it not succeeding or of never going after it in the first place?