82 - The Only Wrong Way Is To Never Start
The Only Wrong Way Is To Never Start
TL;DR:
If you want to do something, you must take action. You must start where you are.
One of my favorite Gretchen Rubin quotes reminds me that action calms the mind. “Action is the antidote to anxiety.”
Last week, we talked about launch pads and drop zones which were loosely related to my Facts of Life Book Course. This week, I want to dive into the second mindset of the Facts of Life Book which is, “The only wrong way is to never start.”
When I left my employer and started my own business, there was very little question that I would start my own consulting company. I thought for a few weeks about getting a “traditional” job but consulting had always been my plan and so start a small business I did.
I talk often in this newsletter about overcoming the messy middle of a project, but I’ve rarely talked about starting. Probably because I have little problem starting. I love to start a project. I love the exhilaration and the newness.
I was listening to a podcast with Jesse J. Anderson. Jesse has ADHD and speaks publicly about his diagnosis as an adult. I do not have ADHD, suffering with only 3 of the clinical markers, on a regular and consistent basis. But the need for novelty, a hallmark of those with ADHD, is something I can identify with. Jesse has summarized the Interest-Based Nervous System as: Captivate. Create. Compete. Complete. These are all ways to get through the messy middle of a project - by creating that sense of novelty.
So, what does this have to do with, “The Only Wrong Way Is To Never Start?” When you aren’t sure how to move forward, figure out how to start again. Have a project that keeps weighing you down? Start again. Start anywhere. Just get moving on it. Have a project you just don’t want to do at all? Then set a timer for 5 minutes and just do that much work. When the timer goes off, stop or start. It’s all up to you. But at least you took action.
Some Things You Might Find Interesting
What I published: Sunday evening is the first time I’ve written since surgery but hoping to get back at it a bit this week as my energy begins to return.
One more Northern European Blog Trip Post - Stockholm on your Own Becomes Stockholm with a private guide. Both Gayle and I agree this was the very best day of our trip.
Touchless Kitchen Faucet: My niece Ashley was here to hang out with me one day this week. She quickly fell in love with my touchless Kitchen Faucet. The kitchen in my condo was actually designed around its predecessor. When we moved to this house Gayle agreed this had to go on the move in upgrade list. It’s so convenient to use when your hands are icky from meat or baking. And, it’s a very affordable upgrade at less than $200.
The Crown: Gayle is kindly rewatching the Crown with me as I finally get back around to it. I only watched Season 1 but she has watched all released episodes. We’re just now to Season 4 but should finish watching the episodes that are out when the whole of the final season is available. This is the trailer for that final season if you want to join us in rewatching/catching up before it is released in its entirety in mid-December.
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