Sometimes the hardest thing about moving forward in your business is starting! It is so easy to become overwhelmed with all that needs to be done that you just shut down.
Perhaps you can’t see the answer to a problem that has you stumped, so you stop until you “figure it out.” Or you just float in a cloud of nothingness- clearing your mind of all the challenges and, in turn, clearing all your motivation as well.
The old adage, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time,” comes to mind. You just need to start. Much easier said than done at times.
The flower beds in front of my home are a good visual. I once had a landscape expert look at our plants and tell us how to tame the jungle they had become. Her response to me was, “your plants thrive on neglect.”
Are your challenges thriving on neglect? The more you let them go. The more you ignore what is happening (or not happening) in your business, the more dense the jungle of neglect becomes.
We like to fool ourselves into believing that ignoring it will not make it worse, that the problems will stay the same size they were when we stopped tending to them. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
In truth, neglect causes many other issues. When you ignore the work you have to do, you set up a mental barrier to getting it done. In order to start, you now have to climb the mental wall that is protecting your jungle.
Time evaporates! Before you know it, days, weeks, even months and years have passed!
I find that once I get started – once I climb that wall – the climb itself has energized me to face the issue. That doesn’t meant I instantly have the answer but the movement takes me closer and gets my momentum started again.
This blog post was born of the very issue it addresses. I got stuck on a problem and instead of working through it, I let the rest of my life’s “busy-ness “take over. My days indeed turned into months before I started moving again.
Just moving and taking action unleashed a stream of creativity and excitement. I like moving forward. It makes me happy. So, I encourage you to take a step – even just one – in the direction of your dreams.
Get unstuck by getting started. Take one step. Now take another. Movement begets movement.
Want 5 tips on getting yourself started? Try these ideas helpfully arranged in an acronym:
S-T-U-C-K
S – SCHEDULE IT – Make an appointment with yourself. Put it on the calendar and keep your promise to yourself as you would an appointment with an important client.
T- TREAT YOURSELF – When you get started reward yourself. It could be a little reward like a tasty treat or allowing yourself to get that special something on which you’ve had your eye.
U – UMBRELLA – Cover yourself with a partner who can keep you accountable. (I know, I’m kind of reaching for this one!) But seriously, ask someone to follow up with you to make sure you did what you said you would do!
C- CHECK IT OFF – Put your action item on your “To Do” list – whatever form that might take. This is one of the best motivators for me. Once it goes on the list I’m anxious to cross it off.
K – KICK YOURSELF – Negative motivation can work well for some people. What price will you pay if you do not get started today? Perhaps you can’t watch the next episode of your favorite show until you get started. Withholding a treat could be just the trick to get you moving.
One more thing. If you are stuck and have let the days turn into months, forgive yourself. Don’t dwell on it, just do it. Remember, nothing changes until you MOVE you must be in ACTION!
“You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting so get on your way!” ~Dr. Seuss