How to Start … When You Don’t Know Where To Begin

Happy New Year!? It’s time for a fresh start, to let go of what’s not serving you, and to make space for possibility.

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The chance to begin again can be both exciting and daunting.? We love the idea of opening our horizons to new adventures, products, programs, and opportunities. But, at the same time, it can feel challenging deciding exactly how to get started.

Does any of this sound familiar?

• You have a million ideas but can’t settle on the one you want to pursue.
• You have a dream but think it might not be possible.
• You believe but have no idea where to begin.

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What do you do when you don’t know where to begin? Trying to get everything perfect can stop us in our tracks. ?

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When I was in college, I remember one instance in particular.? It was the night before a big paper was due, and I had not yet begun. I had a million ideas but kept procrastinating until it was almost too late.? I could feel the stress pour over me as I asked the questions:

• What was my thesis??
• What was the perfect first sentence and paragraph??
• How would I prove my thesis when I couldn’t start the paper?

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My heart was pounding … I had waited too long. ?I felt paralyzed, blocked and couldn’t begin. The harder I tried, the less I could produce.? How would I get through this? I couldn’t afford to fail:? Financially, or with my grade point average (GPA).?

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Finally … I took a break.? The clock kept ticking. After staring at my paper, for what seemed like hours, I walked away and took a shower.? As the hot water ran over my hair and forehead, I gave myself a few moments to regroup and focus only on the shampoo, conditioner and the steam filling the bathroom.?

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And then it came to me.? When you can’t begin the way you think you should, start another way.? Begin with the second sentence, or the second paragraph. The key is to START.

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After drying off, I went back into my room and started writing the second paragraph. The thoughts began to flow. The third and fourth paragraph felt natural, and eventually I went back to the beginning and finished the start.? It all pulled together … just in time to turn-in the next morning.?

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The lesson of starting with step two, or somewhere in the middle, has come in handy when I’ve been blocked. I have learned how to manage my mindset and stay calm with:

• Awareness
• Acknowledgement
• Acceptance
• Action

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New strategies replaced old strategies, and my effectiveness has grown accordingly. The transformation has been life changing as I realize I am not alone in dealing with the challenges life offers, and opportunity is on the other side of challenge.

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Stay calm and carry-on. A walk outside, or a hot shower can work wonders to hear your “inner voice”. ?You can look to your partners for support, or you can get a coach or consultant to help with discernment and implementation.

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Sure, there are many guidelines to consider, like mindset work and a plan for example. A one-page model can be a helpful way to brainstorm ideas. ?Here’s a free business model template to begin with. This can be used in a multitude of ways, and I’m happy to help you apply this to your goals.

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Are you stuck in the idea phase, or are you ready for a plan? What is holding up your dream or goals? There is no time like now to take action and “Live More in 2024”.

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UPCOMING EVENTS & OFFERS

Dare to Dream Info Session | Free Online Event | Saturday 20 January 2024, 9:00am Central – we’ll go through some mindset blockers, and offer suggestions on how to move forward with your dreams.

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How to Build Your Business Model Canvas | Free Online Event | Wednesday 7 February 2024, 9:00am Central – we’ll walk through the building blocks of a one-page business plan to help assess implementation.

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Consulting:? I help Purpose Driven Organizations bring their mission, vision, and values to life.

• One example is in the Breast Health space where we’re improving the health of patients and the relationship with their healthcare team through partnerships and programs.
• Another example is in the Values Culture space where we collaborate with leadership and teams to create a culture compass, crest and roadmap in order to help guide decisions, engagement, relationships and revenue.

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Books :? Signed copies available for purchase within the USA.

Poetry:? My poem entitled Encore highlights beginning again.

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TRAVEL:? Message me to potentially meet in person (if you’re in the area).?

• Atlanta, GA:? January 8 – 10, 2024
• NCoBC 2024 Conference in Las Vegas, NV:? March 15 – 17, 2024
• World Happiness Summit in London, England:? March 18 – 20, 2024
• March Meetings: London, Dublin, Edinburgh:? March 21 – April 1, 2024

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In my last newsletter, Key to Happiness , I discussed the concept of happiness as a choice we can make. A choice to embrace who we actually are, and to allow our values to be our compass.

I am a Consultant, Author and Poet with 30+ years of experience in Business and Operations Strategy. Success is possible when you learn how to ignite a renewed clarity of purpose, values and action with yourself and with your team(s).

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Are you launching a new project, program or product?? Reach out when you’re ready to optimize your team for success. Your journey for 2024 starts right now.

May you always “Know your value, Live your values”.

?Susan