Getting Started Is The
Toughest Part Of The Job
One of the most challenging things about starting
on a new project, a goal or a task usually isn't the planning,
the thinking about it, and the mapping it out. It is the doing.
Actually taking the first step is usually the most difficult
part of any new endeavor.
I was reading a project managers manual and found
it interesting that listed, as one of the reasons projects fail,
is lack of implementation. In others words, not starting the
project was a major cause of its failure. Such is with life;
we can have the best intentions and plans, but if we never start,
nothing will happen.
I have noticed that, when I start a new project,
procrastination sets in. I remember when I was writing my dissertation
my house was never cleaner. In fact, one day I was outside scrubbing
down my kitchen garbage can with a toothbrush. My husband wanted
to know what on earth I was doing. "I am avoiding working
on my paper," I said. Getting started just seems to be
the most challenging aspect of anything new.
My guess is one of the biggest reasons that starting
is so challenging is the fear of the unknown. All the doubts
and uncertainty can be overwhelming. Also fear of not doing
it right, or even not knowing what to do. The cure for all of
these fears is action. Action is the enemy of fear. The best
thing to do when fear sets in is to take action, and the secret
is any action will do. Just get moving and fear will move aside
and the beginning will start.
If getting started has you stunned with fear,
take a deep breath and take one small action. Do something,
anything. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you take
action. Getting started is challenging, but once you do you
will build momentum that will keep you going.
Another trick that might help you is to get an
accountability partner. Someone you will report to from time
to time on your progress. It sounds silly, but you are more
likely to start and stick with what you promise someone else
than just promising yourself. It is so easy to break a promise
you make to you, but not as easy to do so when you have committed
to a friend, a mentor, or a coach. I have clients that hire
me just for the accountability aspect, and it works.
Coach Rachelle Disbennett-Lee, PhD provides daily motivation,
information and inspiration to thousands of busy self development
enthusiast who want to stay focused and on track to their goals
through her award winning e-zine 365 Days of Coaching. For a
free report, "The Power of Daily Action - How to create
more Wealth, Health and Happiness by Tapping Into the Power
of Daily Action" go to http://www.365daysofcoaching.com/daily_action.htm.
Copyright©
2004 True Direction, Inc.
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