I see it time and time again. In myself and in others. There is something that is longed for. Or something that calls to be done. Or, at times, a situation that needs remedied.
Even though we want something new or something different; we fail to take the concrete steps that move us toward a better place. We delay dealing with the problem employee. We stay in the job that makes us miserable. We tell ourselves that one day we will (fill in the blank) – start that business, deal with that problem, go back to school, heal that relationship, write that book.
In this “frozen” state of inaction, time slips by. Opportunities to do better, feel better, or challenge ourselves slip by. We become resigned to “less than”, and we trudge through our days.
In these states of non-movement, I can invent many seemly rational reasons that this is not the time to do something different. I’m too busy. I don’t have the money. It’s not that bad; I can tough it out for another period of time.
All these are true. I am busy, just doing the wrong things. I am not flush with cash, but I do have access to resources and I could do with less. I can tough it out…but at what cost?
As I’ve gotten better at overcoming the fear (cause that what it is) of doing “big” things, like starting a new business, writing a book, or taking the time to travel, I’ve discovered the truth in that ageless saying that “the first step is the hardest”. We all know that just getting something rolling is harder than maintaining it once it is in motion.
For the first step is that step that breaks the inertia and signals something new. The first step is a declaration, to yourself and to the world that something is going to change. The first step moves me into agency, into owning my experience, into stepping up and taking control.
I’ve also learned that there is an art to taking the first step, well beyond just the courage to take it. Here are my tips on how to finesse that first step:
1. Don’t make it bigger than it is.
I can get bogged down thinking I need to have it all figured out before I begin. Truth is that you can’t have it all figured out in advance. The market will give you feedback. People will react differently than you expected. Recognizing that we live in a dynamic world means that you cannot possibly build the perfect solution in advance. Starting with a less than perfectly crafted plan may feel risky, but it is less risky in the long term than building something that is dead on arrival. Build your faith in yourself that you can listen, learn and adapt.
2. Think curiously, not commitmentedly.
Another trap I fall into is that I think that the first step is a commitment. It’s not. It is a step that caters to my curiosity, my sense of wonder and possibility. The first step can be small and exploratory. It can be to take on a side gig or volunteer assignment before you decide. It can be to interview people doing what you want to do. It can be research or reading. The key here is just to take a step forward, even a small one.
Playing around with your idea or situation is a lighter and less fear inducing way to get started. Write a few blogs and see how it feels before you send out book proposals. Hang around people doing what you want to do and see what you can learn before you quit your day job. Envision what your life would be like if you were in this new place and find ways to test those assumptions.
At some point, you’ll make a commitment and be all in. But in the beginning, allow yourself the opportunity to play around with the idea and see how it feels. Then trust that you’ll know exactly the right time to move from curiosity to commitment.
3. Enlist others.
Enlisting others appears to be fraught with peril and rich with payoffs. We worry that they will think poorly of us or perhaps that they will think we are crazy. When you get past the perils, there are numerous payoffs. Let me share a few I’ve experienced.
First of all, people like to help and help freely. They will introduce you to others who can help. They will share what they’ve learned. They will build on your idea and make it better. And if, by chance, the people you associate with pull you down rather than lift you up, spend time bringing new people into your life.
There is also a great boost that comes with sharing your “new big thing” with someone else. As you describe it to them, it becomes more real to you. It takes shape and you begin to hone your idea. Stating your intention aloud to another human is a big accountability play for you have claimed this as your own and become more vested in seeing it through. This is your idea’s first encounter with a human being outside your own little head – and that act alone creates energy, momentum, and focus.
Stepping into the life you want is an act of courageous creativity. It does have risks, but the preponderance of them are risks to our ego. And the far greater risk is that your time, your talents, your unique gifts are squandered, all because you failed to just begin.
How to “Just Begin” and Take Your First Step Towards Starting a Consulting Business
If you are considering starting an Independent Consulting Practice or taking your current practice to the next level, a valuable way to begin is by joining the LEAP Prosper Community. Here you will find support to carry you far past your fears about starting a consulting business.
Take it to make an informed decision about your fit for this type of work and, if the answer is yes, to put together a go forward plan. No matter if you’ve already started, are launching now or are planning to launch in a few years – this is a solid first step – learn more by watching our Launch Series.
Now is the time to JUST BEGIN. Begin small. Begin lightly. Begin with support. Begin here.
