The Art of Starting Something New
Jeff Garrett
I help high performing business professionals in Credit Unions, Mortgage and Financial Services become better leaders, work more effectively, and transform their lives and businesses in the process.
Quote for the Week
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." - Lao Tzu
From the Skybox
Have you ever found it challenging to start something new?
It can be a daunting and overwhelming prospect. Whether it's a new project, a hobby, a fitness routine, or even a career change, the fear of the unknown and the pressure to excel from the get-go can paralyze us.
There's a powerful tool that can make the journey less intimidating and more achievable: graduality.?
Gradual progress, taking small steps, and embracing incremental change can pave the way for sustainable and easier implementation. I often refer to this as the crawl, walk, run principle.
One of the first steps in embracing graduality is to break down your new project into smaller, more manageable tasks. Instead of focusing on the end result, shift your attention to the individual steps you need to take.
An example may be starting a new fitness routine. If your goal is to run a marathon it does not make sense to go out and run 10 miles the first day. You would likely be super sore and would quit after that run.
In the spirit of graduality you may start with a combination of walking and running one mile to start if you have are just starting out. Then gradually add more distance to your runs.
The next step would be to find a mentor or coach that could give you a training routine to help you achieve your goal of running a marathon.
The process steps:
It's crucial to set realistic expectations when starting something new.?
Understand that mastery and success take time. By recognizing that you're on a learning curve, you'll be less discouraged by early setbacks. Be patient with yourself and understand that it's okay to make mistakes; they are how you learn.
Incorporating graduality into your new project means prioritizing consistency over intensity. I
t's better to do a little each day than to go all out for a few days and then burn out like in the running a marathon example.?
Gradual, consistent effort can lead to lasting progress. This principle is particularly valuable in developing habits, such as a fitness routine or a daily writing practice. Start with manageable commitments and gradually increase them as you build momentum.
When you're starting something new, every small accomplishment is a stepping stone to success. Celebrate these wins, no matter how minor they may seem.?
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Recognizing your progress, no matter how slow, will boost your motivation and keep you on track. It's like climbing a staircase; each step you take brings you closer to your destination.
Don't hesitate to seek guidance and feedback from a mentor or coach who have experience in the area you're pursuing.?
Learning from those who have been there can help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your progress. Additionally, their insights can provide you with a broader perspective, giving you the confidence to keep moving forward.
The path to success is seldom a straight line. Embracing graduality means being flexible and adaptable.
?As you start something new, you may encounter unexpected challenges or opportunities. Be prepared to pivot, adjust your strategy, and evolve as needed. The ability to adapt is a key attribute of successful individuals.
Starting something new can be both exciting and intimidating, but embracing graduality can turn a daunting task into an achievable journey.?
By breaking down your goals, setting realistic expectations, prioritizing consistency, celebrating small wins, seeking guidance, and adapting along the way, you can pave the path to success with confidence.?
Remember that it's not about how fast you start; it's about how steadily you progress. Graduality is a powerful tool that can help you embark on new adventures and achieve great results one step at a time.
This Week’s Podcast Episode
The Art of Starting Something New
?(You can also listen on your favorite podcast app)
Contact me at [email protected] to learn about coaching and to see if it would be beneficial for you.?
Be Audacious!
Coach Jeff Garrett