| Life is finally starting to head back towards something that resembles normality and this feels both great and also a little scary. We’re leaving the safety bubble we’ve been inside for the last few months and not sure what to expect on the other side. Starting anything new is scary because we’re programmed to fear the unknown. But have you noticed how once you actually start, the pressure is released. It’s like standing at the start line of a race. You feel sick to your stomach with nerves but as soon as the starters gun goes off, you go. You just start. And once you start, the fear just disappears. It’s a bit like this ⬇ |
This is what it’s like with anything in life. That thing you’re putting off isn’t as big a deal when you take the first step and actually start. Whilst ever you’re looking at the full picture, it’s just too big for your brain to comprehend. But when you break it down into smaller, manageable chunks it really is all about taking that first step. Whether that’s something as big as starting your own business or starting a new exercise regime or even as small as finally sorting through that pile of papers that you know needs doing. The starting part requires energy but once you start, the momentum builds and it’s much easier to keep going. Now in chemistry terms this is called the activation energy and is (*said in my most academic sounding voice*) “the minimum amount of energy required to get a chemical reaction started”. In psychology terms, this is “the amount of motivation needed to get your butt moving and start the damn thing”. OK, less academic sounding voice used there ????. But finding that motivation can be tough, right? You have a million and one things vying for your attention at all times and finding the focus and motivation to stay on track can feel exhausting. So what can you do to ensure you stay focussed and not freeze like a rabbit in the headlights. #1 Make it as easy as possible on yourself to start. Remove all obstacles that could take away any of that motivation. Shawn Achor states in his book The Happiness Advantage, “Lower the activation energy for habits you want to adopt”. So what the heck does that mean? If your plan is to get up early and go to the gym, get your kit, breakfast, energy drink out and ready the night before. This seems simple because it is. But it’s not easy. How often do you actually do it? Or if you’re planning on waking up early so you can work on your side hustle before heading to the 9-5, set an alarm and put it in a different room so you have to get out of bed. That’s the hardest part! Or if you have toddlers like me, you don’t need an alarm. You’ll be up by 5am ????. #2 Keep in mind the bigger picture. What’s the real reason you want to make this change in the first place. Why do you want to start the business, lose the weight or start a new health regime? Knowing the real WHY works wonders on your motivation. Because if you fully understand your motives behind this new venture, you’re far less likely to get knocked off track when it gets hard. #3 Try out the 5 second rule. Mel Robbins discovered this when she just couldn’t get her butt out of bed and found that it worked wonders in all areas of her life. The short story is, when you decide to do something that scares you, you have 5 seconds before your brain talks you out of it. By counting backwards 5-4-3-2-1 and doing the action straight away, you manage to bypass the brakes being applied. This doesn’t mean it’s going to feel comfortable, but you will get it done. And as we know from the activation energy, starting is the hardest part. So, when that alarm goes off, start counting 5-4-3-2-1 and before you hit 1, move. Physically move and get up. Or if you’ve written an email to your boss requesting a pay rise meeting but you start to feel the inner voice telling you why you shouldn’t send it. Start counting 5-4-3-2-1 and hit send. The truth is, whilst all of this feels uncomfortable, it’s not going to kill us. In the grand scheme of things, it’s not really a big deal. But it still feels like it. Ask yourself: “Will this still be an issue for me in 5 years time?” What you’re worrying about right now, will it still be important then? However big it may feel now, chances are you won’t even remember it in 5 years time. So my question to you today is: “What’s stopping you?” Drop me an email and let me know. With love ???? and gratitude ???? Laura x P.S. If it’s FEAR that’s stopping you, make sure you grab my FREE training on how to Overcome Fear to Start Your Business. Click HERE for instant access. |
Socialize