GETTING STARTED

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”

-Lao Tzu

The hardest part of any journey is always taking the first step. Whether we worry about the outcome, try to go through endless distractions or just tell ourselves this is too much for us, getting started has always been THE problem for most people. Fortunately, there are simple steps we can take to overcome procrastination.

Decide What It Is You Want

The most important thing is that it has to be a strong enough desire to motivate you to take action. My biggest motivation has always been to make sure my parents retire happy and soon. I always feel tremendously energized whenever the visualization of my family happily taking a vacation somewhere because of my actions.  Once your desire is set, then the next step is….

Write Out Your Goals

I suggest first brainstorming your wants and desires.  And then from that list decides which ones are truly the ones you want to achieve. Writing out your goals can also be done through the form of a personal mission statement.  My favorite method of getting my goals on paper has always been

Napoleon Hill’s “Six Ways To Turn Desires Into Gold”

The method by which desire for riches can be transmuted into its financial equivalent, consists of six, definite practical steps, viz:

(1) fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire. It is not sufficient merely to say “I want plenty of money.” Be definite as to the amount . (There is a psychological reason for definiteness which will be described in a subsequent chapter.)

(2) Determine exactly what you intend to give in return for the money you desire. ( There is no such reality as “something for nothing”

(3) Establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money you desire.

(4) Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin at once, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action.

(5) Write out a clear concise statement of the amount of money you intend to acquire, name the time limit for its acquisition, state what you intend to give in return for the money, and describe clearly the plan through which you intend to accumulate it.

(6) read you written statement aloud, twice daily, once just before retiring at night, and once after arising in the morning. As you read, see and feel and believe you’re already in possession of the money.

Make Your Plan Always Visible

Be sure to make your personal mission statement and/or goals somewhere where you can always see them ALL the time. Constant reminders are what help and motivate you towards your goals, thus allowing you to start fresh everyday. My own goals are in the ABOUT section, which I take a look at everyday.

Be Grateful That You’ve Gotten A Chance To Start

Everytime you’ve gotten a chance to start and restart the path to your goals, then make sure to give yourself credit. Stephen Covey says that “the difference between people who exercise initiative and those who don’t is literally the difference between night and day. I’m not talking about a 25 – 50% difference in effectiveness; I’m talking about a 5000 plus percent difference, particularly if they are smart aware and sensitive to others.” The very fact you are working on something you love doing is a reason in itself to celebrate and be grateful.  Good luck!