Starting anything new often feels like standing at the edge of a cliff, haunted by the fear of beginning. The thought of taking that leap can fill us with excitement but also fear. This hesitancy isn’t limited to pursuing a passion or embarking on a dream project. It could be as simple as committing to a new fitness routine, starting a blog post you wanted to write, creating your first video content for YouTube, or quitting an unfulfilling job. But the question remains: How hard can it be to just start?
Strive for consistency, not perfectionism.
For many of us, beginning something new is challenging because we believe everything must be perfect from the start. We aspire to start working out only if we have the perfect fitness routine along with the best equipment, write our first blog post with the best content, produce videos of the highest quality like a top YouTube star, and only aim to land the ideal job. We put immense pressure on ourselves, thinking our first attempts must be perfect. Although aiming for 100% perfection from the beginning sounds ideal, this pursuit of excellence in everything we undertake can greatly hinder us from even taking the first step. Also as a beginner, we may lack the skill, and the fear of imperfection can paralyze us preventing us from starting at all. It’s important to start small and not worry about the outcome. So, if you’re waiting for everything to be perfect, just remember: you could be one awkward, homemade music video away from becoming the next Post Malone. Just start!
Do not linger over the past.
Our past experiences can cast a long shadow over our aspirations. Previous attempts that didn’t pan out as we hoped can leave us wary of trying again. For instance, my desire to start a blog was clouded by the remnants of past failures. The consciousness of not achieving, the echoes of endeavors that didn’t reach their intended heights, can linger and dissuade us from pursuing new ventures.
Make peace with your previous mistakes.
The essence of starting lies in overcoming the mental barriers of your past failures. Learning from past mistakes is vital. They guide us on what not to do again. Acknowledge and accept them to avoid dwelling and wasting time. Be kind to yourself; mistakes are natural and part of learning. In hindsight, it’s not the errors we regret, but the chances we didn’t take due to fear of making them.
One step at a time.
To embark on a new journey, embrace the notion of starting small. Break down your grand goal into manageable, bite-sized tasks. Want to write a blog? Begin with a single post. Dream of hiking more? Start with a short, local trail. Aspire to create videos? Make a one-minute clip. It’s about building momentum, one small victory at a time.
Become conscious about now and perform your duties.
karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi
In the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita, a key teaching encourages us to concentrate on our actions in the present, guided by our inherent duties. It advises against being preoccupied with the uncertain rewards of the future. By fulfilling our responsibilities with detachment from the results, we attain tranquility. This wisdom underscores the importance of living in the moment and carrying out our tasks conscientiously.
Taking a Break Can Help, Not Halt.
Feeling burnt out? It’s okay to take a break. A quick walk, some family time, or even a few Instagram or TikTok memes can help. These pauses let our minds refresh and often, new ideas pop up when we’re relaxed. Taking a break doesn’t stop progress; it’s just a short pause that helps us come back stronger and more creative. So, don’t hesitate to step back and recharge when you need it.
So, how hard can it be just to start? The truth is, as hard as we make it out to be. But with a shift in perspective, a dash of courage, and a willingness to embrace imperfection, that first step can lead to paths we never imagined. Let’s not wait for the perfect moment. It’s time to start, one small step at a time.
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