How to Get Started Doing (pretty much) Anything

This has been a subject that’s been on my mind for a long time now, and I feel like the clouds have started to part a little bit. Hallelujah!

How do we get started and take action on our goals (or anything we have and want to do) when we don’t currently feel like it?

I’m the kind of person who loves to set goals, plan things out, make lists, research, and learn as much as I can about something I’m interested in or would like to do, but honestly… I’ve been pretty lousy at the taking action part.

Over-planning and trying to make things perfect really slows me down, and worse - completely inhibits me by putting up an invisible wall between me and actually accomplishing something. That’s what I’m starting to realize perfectionism does. I end up realizing that all the wheel churning I’ve been doing ends up being a waste of time if I’m not going to follow through and act on my plans! If I’m not getting anywhere what’s the point of all that preparation?

What changed for me recently was a realization of several things I’ve already heard about on this subject, but finally hit me and started making much more sense.

I’m a big believer in the law of attraction and the “art of allowing” - “an ability to allow things to happen and materialize, without you having to manipulate, dominate or control other people or situations to make them happen.”

I believe that we can attract things to us (Law of Attraction), but I also believe that there is energy required to start the process - and not just the vibrational energy we must emit to match up with the vibration of our desires, but energy required to open the door from that vibrational space to the physical realm that increases in momentum, flow, and progress in our evolution.

So where to we get that spark to open the door and get moving?

Identify the first, easy To-Do.

I like to think of this initial spark of energy as “activation energy” - “the minimum quantity of energy required to undergo a specified reaction.”

Once that spark is lit, it can initiate momentum to flow in the direction of where we need to go. It’s really just about getting started with one thing that can kick off a chain reaction of action!

And I love the idea of “minimum energy required” - finding just one simple, itsy bitsy place to start.

If you don’t know where to start, I would suggest breaking down the project into smaller chunks so you can see all the steps laid out. Then, find an easy one, or the one that jumps out as the first priority. Even if that priority step seems a little daunting, see if you can break that down even further!

It’s also a nice little hit of dopamine to check off little tasks that you get done, and while you’re thinking of and breaking things down into the details and steps you have to do, you’re actually helping to reduce the friction (resistance that can cause stress, distraction, and overwhelm) of getting that project done.

• Another good tip to do along with planning and breaking things down is to set a timer to establish a time frame of pure focus on that task, and put away all distractions. Or, if it’s a task that can be done in a few minutes, just do it!

When you complete the task(s), hit a solid roadblock, or find a good stopping point, it’s okay to take a quick break.

I’m currently reading “The Courage to Create” by Rollo May and in the book, he explains the artist’s tension in the creative process - how if one tries too hard to find new inspiration or a breakthrough, the insight escapes him. The epiphany usually doesn’t come until stepping away from thinking of it and efforting on it. He says “…the unconscious breakthrough requires the alternation of intense, conscious work and relaxation, with the unconscious insight often occurring at the moment of the shift.”

Go ahead and stand up to walk around a bit, stretch, get your blood flowing, get some water, a healthy snack, play with the pets, kiss your loved ones.. whatever relaxes and rejuvenates you. (I like to think of it as a self-care break). Use it as a reward!

I also love the idea of allowing inspiration to come to me so I can take inspired action. I believe that when inspiration hits from out of the blue, it could be our inner guidance system showing a better way, or an alternate path to take.

So don’t feel bad for stepping away for a moment to relax and take your mind off. It’s necessary to keep your energy up when you are focused on your task. I would just try not to break up the flow state and attention too often since it will require having to refocus and get in “the zone”, and remember to always come back to finish what you started! Unless of course an epiphany takes you on a new and better route altogether :)

• Another quick tip.. think ahead and prepare. Have an idea, plan it out, or write down what you need to do for the next day so you have a blueprint to work with. Prepare whatever you need to make it even smoother. For example.. finding the tool you need, that phone #, or laying out your outfit. This is another great way to reduce friction in getting started and help spark that activation energy!

Imagine doing the thing.

Visualization is not new. There’s a lot of info out there that explains how it works. One reason - when we visualize ourselves doing something and going through the motions, our brain can’t really determine if we’re actually doing that thing or not. Therefore, going through the motions in our mind is the perfect practice for performing our task, and for performing it in the best, most efficient, successful way!

Again, thinking and imagining helps to reduce friction/resistance in performing the task. It gives an opportunity to see what the flow of action will look and feel like, and potentially allow for insight on making the task easier.

(Plus, I truly believe visualization helps set to our vibrational energy on the right wavelength of what we want to match up to. For example, in writing this blog, I visualize myself sitting comfortably, with good posture, looking nice and put together, and enjoying writing and being in flow. Now my vibe is high just by imagining that feeling and I’m more likely to stay matched up to it!)

While you’re imagining doing the thing, make it fun and sexy!

Get creative with it. Maybe make it more of a challenge if it’s too easy - like doing it in a certain amount of time, or in a new, more efficient way.

Anticipate the reward.

I think this is what might help spark that activation energy.

The reward is going to be the completion of the task itself - how you’ll feel when it’s done and the end result.

In addition to that, the reward can also be something like taking a break, doing something fun, and switching up the energy. Identify what you’ll reward yourself with when you’re finished doing the needful, and let that inspire you to get going.

Speaking of energy again..

Bring it! Find a way to pump yourself up. It could be something physical like standing up in a power pose, fist-pumping, punching through an invisible barrier, giving yourself a high five in the mirror, and screaming “whooo!!” You get it. Pump yourself up!

• Side note. Do you feel a complete lack of energy? If so, are you getting enough quality sleep? If you’re not, it’s time to make a change and find a way to wind down, shut off, and get the rest you need. We need that quality rest along with good nutrition to have gas in the tank and stay fueled!

Another reward and a way to light your fire is to know your why.

Getting clear on why we want or need to get this task done will remind us why we need to start in the first place. And the more passionate we are about our why, the more aligned and engaged we will be in the process, and the more satisfied we will be in the completion.

When the job is done, celebrate!

Show yourself some appreciation for doing the damn thing - even for each little accomplishment or task you completed to finish that goal or project. Acknowledge your effort and build the habit of positive reinforcement. that positive feedback loop.

You don’t have to celebrate with a glass of champagne every time.. let’s keep it healthy folks. You can celebrate with a break and doing something playful, fun, creative, and exciting to you, or even some words of affirmation to yourself is a nice way to acknowledge and celebrate you :)

Are you ready to get started now!?

I know this is something I’m going to have to come back to for myself every once in a while!

I hope you have a blast trying these tips out, and accomplish all your goals and dreams!

I’d love to know your feedback and tips that you might have to!

Stay FLI.