Are you about to start something new? You may be wondering “Now where do I start?” One of the most common situations you may face is the initial crash that occurs right when you decide to start something once and for all. Especially if we talk about starting from scratch.
You have probably spent a lot of time making plans, perhaps reading self-help articles and books, deciding what you want to do and trying to overcome your fear and insecurity to take that first step, and when you finally decide, confusion arises. Yes, I know what I want, but where do I start?
This situation of confusion and blocking is normal and very frequent when it comes to starting from scratch or very ambitious goals or big changes. For example, when you decide to leave your career after many years to start your own business, or when you decide that your life does not satisfy you and that you want to start from scratch. Making that decision is difficult in itself, but then you ask yourself "and now, where do I start?" And you have doubts: "what if I'm wrong?", "Let's see if I regret it", "I'm still in time to turn back", etc. If this is your situation, I know perfectly how you feel, and I am going to share with you some strategies to help you take that first step:
1. Create an action plan. It is essential, especially if your goal is ambitious or long-term (in which case you can create a short-term plan and a long-term plan.) You probably already have a vision of the end result you want, but it is very important that you divide that goal into subobjectives, in small steps and if possible with a deadline. For example, when I decided to establish myself as a coach, I made a list of the things I had to do (register as a freelancer, create my website, furnish the office, make business cards…), I set a deadline and ordered them by priority. Then each of those tasks I subdivided into small actions (create website: search for hosting, decide name,…).
2. Determine the first step to take, just one. That is the trick to overcome the initial block, think only of the first action you can take and that will take you to the final objective. Being just one thing will not overwhelm you and it will not be so scary and, in addition, that first step will give you enough motivation to keep going. You may have a vision of how you want your business to be two years from now, but right now thinking like this can paralyze and overwhelm you so focus ONLY on the first step. It is not the same to think about starting a business and everything that entails than simply choosing the name of the business, for example.
3. Focus only on the next action. Sometimes what you want to achieve can discourage you, because you see it as distant and unattainable, even if you have already encouraged yourself to take the first step. Therefore, I recommend that you focus only on the next step to take. It will be easier for you and, in addition, you will be motivated to see that you progress.
So always keep in mind "What do I have to do next?", Especially in times of stress and stress. Stop, rest and think, what do I have to do next? Stopping and resting is essential, giving yourself time to think about other things and regain strength and the busier you are, the more you will need it. When we moved from Toronto to Spain there were moments of extreme stress in which we stopped, rested for a couple of days and then started again.
4. Surround yourself with people who support you and remind yourself every day of the reasons why you do it. These are moments of doubt and insecurity and that is why it is essential that you separate yourself a little from negative people and surround yourself with support; People who encourage you, who have already been there, who will help you no matter what. Talking to these types of people will make you have more courage and energy to take the first step and make you doubt much less. Increase the effect by reading positive articles and listing all the reasons why you want that change and why you deserve it (even if it costs you to admit it, you deserve it.)
When I decided to start my coaching business, I spoke with my classmates, with several coaches, with the people who encouraged me and stopped communicating for a while with those who said I was crazy and thought better of it. And I don't regret it.
5. Ask for and accept help, in all areas where you need it. Maybe you need more attention from your partner, friends or family. Or invest money in delegating to someone or hiring an expert to facilitate the task. It was hard for me at the beginning, but now whenever I can, I invest money in coaches who are where I want to be and in delegating what takes my time and doesn't contribute anything. At first it costs, because you see it as an expense, but remember you are not spending, you are investing and gaining time, tranquility and energy.
To these five strategies I would add one more: Reward yourself! You are doing a great job, admit it. You had a hard time taking the step and you're still walking slowly, but you're doing very well. So reward yourself and be proud of yourself, because very few people have the courage to do what you are doing. What strategy are you going to start with?
