Friend, I know firsthand how hard it is to start something new – the humbling experience of being the worst person in the room (or on the road) can be super intimidating.
So many people used to tell me, “Wow, I can’t believe you do those Ironmans!” And I would reply, anyone can do it – it just takes training. And that’s the truth about anything in life.
Get Started
You’ve just got to start. Start somewhere! You can make it work; it just takes work!
So often, we look to those ahead of us in life, those who succeed, and think, “Wow, they’ve got their crap together!?”
When in reality, it took them a friggin’ long time to get where they are – we just don’t see all the work behind the scenes. We didn’t see them take the scary step to start…
“All overnight success takes about ten years.” – Jeff Bezos
To be a success (however you define it) takes time, energy, and a focus on getting your sh*t together.
What does this look like? Well, let’s just say that you need to love yourself, love the process, and love the journey. If you don’t, how can you be of service to this world (or to yourself)?
We all need to get our heads straight and mentally prepare for the hard times ahead to achieve something new. But that DOES NOT mean you stop chasing those goals. Nope. Quite the opposite.
Life isn’t going to wait for you to get your head straight…. Or get a few more meditation or therapy sessions to find yourself. (No knock against therapy or mindfulness – love ‘em both!)
But for many of us, life is just passing us by… we say someday we’ll do that thing – but someday never comes. What do you want to do in 2023?
What’s been on your life list for a decade? Is it…
- Writing that book?
- Starting that online biz?
- Be an entrepreneur?
- Starting that BARE class?
- Signing up for an Ironman?
- Finally, volunteering at your church?
We think we need “just a little more time” to figure things out – to perfect the journey. But we’ll be lying to ourselves…. We’ll ONLY get better (perfect) if we start doing the thing!
Yes, we’ll probably suck at first – all beginners do! But what we learn from those humble beginnings is what makes us the best at what we’re chasing to achieve.
When I started triathlon, I was the WORST cyclist… and I’m not just saying that. I truly was awful and couldn’t keep up with any training group and constantly got dropped… this was probably one of the most humbling experiences. And it happened every Saturday for years…
Yet, I continued to train, to learn from others who were better than me, and made myself keep GOING. Sometimes I think back to what would have happened if I didn’t stick with cycling???
I would never be an Ironman and sure wouldn’t have had the successes! (Not to mention the amazing journey and people who shaped me through this experience!)
But I get it. Starting over is hard – and it’s never a linear journey. It’s full of many ups and downs (a.k.a., opportunities to quit.) But remember to forgive yourself (and others) for the mistakes you make along the way. That’s how we learn, grow, and eventually succeed!
Focus on the step in front of you
That’s the way it is. Simply focus on how you can start the next thing – if we’re not growing outside our comfort zone, we’re standing stagnant in this life. (And what kind of life is that?)
So go ahead, and get started…
- To be an author, figure out what authors do? Start those habits…
- To run a successful online biz, figure out what these business owners do? Then follow their lead!
- To be an entrepreneur, figure out how others got started – do that!
- To start that barre class, figure out where classes are held – and go!
- Want to do your first Ironman, figure out a coach to help you – then train your a$$ off!
- To start volunteering, figure out where you are needed?
You get the point. Just start. Just move forward.
Stop prolonging the time spent planning, thinking, and preparing…Let me tell you, there is no perfect time to start. This is coming from a stage-5 over-thinker!
And remember, even tiny steps toward our dreams add up over time and bring us closer to those big lofty goals. So don’t be afraid to be a beginner – it’s where the magic happens.
What new thing do you want to try in 2023?
Go do the thing!
Only you can decide…
Xo, jules
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
