START STOPS

Why the Start stops You, and how can you Start successfully?

We’ve all been there?—?standing at the threshold of a new project, idea, or goal, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. We know that taking the first step is crucial, but somehow, we just can’t seem to get started.

In pursuing personal growth, career advancement, building a business or even passions and hobbies, one of the most significant hurdles individuals face is not the journey itself, but the very act of starting.

It’s the universal struggle of overcoming inertia, fear, and self-doubt. When faced with tasks and challenges, many people opt to do nothing rather than tackle the overwhelm. This phenomenon is so common that it’s become a cliché: “The start is what stops most people.”

Presenting the costs of not starting, reasons for your not being able to start and how can you start successfully.

WHY NOT STARTING COSTS YOU

While it’s natural to feel hesitant, not starting can have significant consequences.

1. Missed opportunities: By not taking the first step, you might miss out on valuable and desired opportunities, experiences, connections, or improvements.

2. Stagnation: Not starting on what you want to do, build, or accomplish can lead to feelings of stagnation, frustration, and discontentment.

3. Regret: You might look back and wonder what could have been if we had just taken that initial step.

WHAT STOPS YOU FROM STARTING

So, what is it about starting that’s so daunting? Often, it’s a combination of 5 factors.

1. Fear of failure: You worry your idea may not work out, and you will feel disappointed and defeated.

2. Fear of the unknown: You are unsure of what lies ahead, and the uncertainty can be unsettling.

3. Overwhelm: The sheer magnitude of a project?—?be it starting a business, writing a book, or adopting an alternative lifestyle?—?can be daunting.

4. Perfectionism: You feel that your initial effort won’t be good enough, so you put it off until you can do it ‘just right.’

5. Procrastination: You get caught up in other tasks or distractions, and before you know it, days, weeks, or even months have passed without making progress.

HOW CAN YOU HELP YOURSELF IN STARTING

So, how can we overcome the barriers of starting and take that crucial first step?

1. Break it down: Divide your goal into smaller, manageable tasks to make it feel less overwhelming.

2. Set a timeline/milestone: Commit to working on your goal for a set amount of time and with set milestones to get started.

3. Create a safe space: Eliminate distractions, and create an environment that fosters focus and creativity.

4. Find accountability: Share your goal with a friend or mentor and ask them to hold you accountable.

5. Focus on the Process: Shift your mindset to value the journey rather than just the destination to reduce pressure, making the start feel more enjoyable.

6. Visualize Success: Visualize the successful completion of your goal. This mental rehearsal can boost your confidence and motivation to start.

7. Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate each minor victory along the way to build momentum and confidence.

Starting is often the hardest part of any endeavour. By understanding the psychological barriers that hold you back and employing strategies to overcome, you can unlock your potential and embark on new journeys.

The start is indeed what stops most people, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s up to you to take that crucial first step and get going. This may be daunting, but it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and create something new.

To begin is magical for desired improvements, valuable creations, and great achievements. So, take that leap?—?your future self will thank you.

Come, take a deep breath, and BEGIN, NOW >>>

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Dear Reader, I am happy that you are here with me. Please share your thoughts. Inviting you to connect. You can write to me on [email protected]. Thanks, Amlesh Ranjan, PCC Coach Executive Coach- PCC (ICF), EQ-i 2.0 Assessor (MHS), Certified OD Practitioner (TISS).?

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