TAKE THE STEP

My observation is that many people have trouble chasing big personal goals.??Specifically, getting started.??They want to change and improve, but something stops them.??They can form an image of success in their mind but then somehow, they hesitate.??They fall into that trap of thinking too much – always waiting for the “right” time or the “right” conditions to enact change.??

Losing weight.??Having kids.??Launching a business.??Taking a risk at work.??They are all quite similar in this regard.??

Thinking and planning are essential.??Of course.??However, the real key is just starting.??For anything really amazing that you’re thinking about engaging, you’re never fully ready!??That should not make you feel hopeless.??It should motivate you to begin so the learning can commence.

Joe Vampire is the main protagonist in my forthcoming book, Dancing with Monsters.??Like all monsters he wants to scare children, but he’s lost his passion.??Eventually, he gets back on track when he discovers a mantra that gets him moving:??take the step, get the scare, grow, win.

The first step is the focus of this post – take the step.??It’s a reminder that you have to stop thinking at some point, get out of your head, and actually get started.??That’s when learning, improvement, and success actually become possible.??

With the help of a few other misfit monsters, Joe finds his groove and helps them do the same.??What about you???If you’re serious about your success, you have to put a time limit on thinking and planning and make yourself take the step.??If you need a hand, go find a smart, kind, motivated friend to help you stop thinking and start acting.??Take the step!

TODD’S TIPS

Continuing with the same theme… What if you want to take that step but you’re stuck???We’ve all been there.??Stuck is worse than normal apprehensions or worries about a proposed project.??It’s a feeling of being lost, running in place, and incapable of being your normal productive self – let alone capable of something new and big.??

Stuck happens.??Next time it does, try this:

Own it and stop blaming.??No matter how stuck happens, you own it.??Accept the responsibility.??Don’t point your finger at anyone other than yourself.??Blame might be justified, but never helps.

Laugh.??You are completely and utterly normal.??We all get stuck, lose confidence, and make mistakes.??Those are all normal human experiences.??Laugh about it.??The faster you learn to laugh and smile, the sooner your brain opens up again to new learning.

Think about how you can shift.??You need to change up something – what is it???More of what???Less of what???Give yourself a serious time limit, define the shift, and make your plan.??

Connect to believe.??Often, when we share with another person, the idea we’re sharing becomes real, far more than when it was just in our minds.??Share.??Ask for advice.??Tell them what you’re thinking of doing.??

Finally, commit to action.??I didn’t say commit to winning.??You win by acting over and over, learning from the wins and losses, and then adjusting.??Commit to starting that process now – and put it on a calendar!

Stuck happens, but it doesn’t have to last.???

WHAT’S UP WITH DR. D?

Monsters:??Special announcement:??I will be running a contest in January or February.??The exact timing depends on my publisher.??The prize:??a digital advance copy of Dancing with Monsters!??The first twenty people to request a copy by email after I launch the contest in an upcoming newsletter will win a digital copy of the book.??

Courses:??I’m excited to share that among my current courses, three are designated as “popular” right now, including one of my latest releases, Top 10 Rules for Highly Effective Leadership.??I’m currently wrapping up the scripts for four new courses to be shot in January!

Speaking:??I just booked two virtual talks to be delivered in January for two different teams for Microsoft in Europe.??I’ll have to get up entirely too early to deliver these but I’m still looking forward to the event!

Until next time – stay safe, go learn something, maybe help someone, or at least do something interesting!

Get your copy of Dancing with Monsters:??https://amzn.to/3tbdUTV

Watch Todd in action:??https://bit.ly/3EfcDSb

Book Todd:??https://bit.ly/3WHeRB0 ??

All my links in one place:??https://linktr.ee/drdewett .?