So you want to start a business huh? Get in shape? Just do something more but don't know where to begin? I understand, it's one thing to have an idea, but its another thing entirely to execute.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Write down your goals.
I cannot express how vital it is to both realize and record your goals. Research has shown that writing has an effect on your brain, it encodes this information into your brain for analysis storing it into long-term memory. Neuropsychologists have called this the 'generation effect' and found that people have better recall for information they have created themselves rather than something they've read.
Even God goes so far as to encourage us to 'write the vision, make it plain, that those may run who read it' (Habakkuk 2:2). Writing down your goals gives you clarity, helps you see them in black and white allowing you to define them more absolutely.
And make sure this written goal is in a consistently visible place. Whether that's your mirror, fridge, front of your diary...seeing them everyday helps reaffirm them in your mind. And of course, writing down your goals means you get the self-satisfaction of crossing them once you complete them.
Here is a template to follow when writing them down:
- What is my goal?
- What are 3 steps I can take? (smaller goals = micro goals)
- What is my deadline?
2. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
As much as you may have the desire for change, sometimes you will need help. An accountability partner is a great buffer in this case; they will be committed to helping you reach your goals. They will provide the motivation that you may sometimes fail to provide your self.
For instance, if you're trying to launch a business or lose/gain a few pounds and you are only accountable to yourself, it may be easy to backslide. There is no one pushing you to complete your micro-goals. On the other hand, accountability will help you measure your progress, keep you engaged and help validate your thoughts and feelings.
This is also important because in the our own overactive minds, we may miss criticize our own ideas or have a plethora of ideas with no clear path. They can be a sounding board or resource to help work through your ideas and accomplish your goals.
3. Be consistent.
You have probably heard this time and time again...consistency is key. Well yeah...it is. Namely, it builds momentum. For example, on Instagram algorithm is more analytical than it used to be. What you see on your feed is a combination of all your Instagram behaviours. The accounts you interact with, the posts you are tagged in and of course, the type of posts you like and comment on. Hence, showing up on Instagram is so important. If you're a frequent scroller, your feed will look more chronological but if you show up less often, you feed will be sorted by what Instagram thinks you like.
In short, small actions carried out consistently will lead to big results over time. This may look like writing a page a day for your book, taking 30 minute walks every day, researching wholesalers 1 hour everyday or putting away $50 every paycheque. You will eventually produce that book, lose that weight, launch that business and have a substantial savings account.
4. Be gentle with yourself.
You won't always have a good day, but there are never any failures, only lessons. This means giving yourself permission to not the best as humanly possible, rather to do the best you can right now. The version of 'best' looks different to everyone, so don't compare your life with others.
In order to change your way of thinking, you must first recognize that your old way of thinking no longer serves you. Recognize how far you've come rather than how far you have left to go. Be patient and give yourself praise.
Lovers, I urge you to start that thing that has been on your heart for years. The only thing stopping you, is you. Money can be restored, resources are always accessible, support will come but time, we will never get back. Go the store, buy that $1 notebook and begin to jot down your dreams, goals and desires. Simply get started. The truth hurts, but you don't have to.