On Knowing When To Begin (Hint: It’s Right Now!)

Oftentimes procrastination is disguised as unpreparedness. Being unprepared is a perfectly valid excuse, and a strong justification for delaying any action. How can we start if we’re unprepared? The trick is realizing the first step is always available to you, and just needs to be downsized until it’s within reach… 

Gain A Little Momentum

That first action. That first step. It’s almost always available, but oftentimes overlooked by focusing too much on the bigger picture. Take for example the goal of beginning an exercise routine.  Is the first step going to magically transform you from sitting on the couch to running on the treadmill? Of course not! It could be as simple as laying out your exercise clothes, or dusting off those old running shoes, or maybe filling up a water bottle to get ready for your exercise. Downsize even more and the first step is just the action of getting off the couch! The first step is whatever you define it to be as long as it’s actionable and connected to the greater goal.

The little steps are overlooked because we’re too focused on the outcome. But if we downsize, identify, and execute on each step with intention, we begin to gain a natural momentum towards the goal… 

Less On The Outcome, More On The Process

Beginning is its own reward.

The Process is a constant reminder that we're becoming our higher and better self.

The Goal is sweet but fleeting, and is replaced almost as soon as it arrives.

Refocus Your Focus

Be good to yourself. Celebrate the small wins. And remember that momentum towards a goals is gained by creating a chain of single, small actions each taken one after another. Achievement of your goal will occur while you’re focusing on the process.