The First Step to Start
7 Proven Tips — Yes, that includes some cliché
Though I detest the “7 proven ways of doing X” kind of recommendation cliché, I acknowledge the fact that it works in this distraction-rich, time-poor age. This time, I’ll use this tactic to help you overcome inertia — the infamous dementor that stops you from “starting” literally anything.
Starting, as an action, is the number one step to the road to success. If you read or listen to stories of others who have achieved a goal, their tips boil down to one common theme: They just “started” for whatever they believe in. If you managed to start something, you can assume, you’re already halfway through it.
Many people have different tactics to motivate themselves for the kick-off, here are some of them I tried, and these are the ones that yielded the best results.
1. Set your homepage (or background picture of your phone) accordingly! Yes, it’s the best one that works for me in the touch-screen age. Are you interested in starting to get in shape? Well, your homepage shouldn’t be the default search engine — change it to a fitness-related site or blog. Whenever you open your laptop for the first time in the morning, fitness should be the first thing to pop up to set up your mind.
2. Socialize! I do not see myself as an extravert but talking about what you need to start with others, especially with smart ones, really sparks some original ideas and ignites you for that moment. You do not need to tell everything, but let others think on behalf of you.
3. Do mundane tasks to re-focus: Clean your desktop, arrange your folders, do the laundry. It just helps you to organize your thoughts. Clean up.
4. Just do the first move without considering achievement as a goal. Are you going to write something? — Just jot down the first silly word that crosses your mind. Do you have to pack for your flight? — Just put your socks into your luggage. Just do it cursorily, perfectionism acts as a barrier to starting. You can later arrange inside the luggage.
5. Focus on short-term wins. To create momentum, set up small attainable goals and crush them. If you’re overweight, do not try to become skinny in 3 months. Let the progress and quick wins inspire you.
6. You need the energy to start. Working out will help you out to start. Take care of your mental and physical health. Sleep well. Walk. Run. Dance. Whatever you’re into.
7. Set the stage to ease the process. If you are eager to write, you have to keep your pen and paper around you all the time. If you want to do yoga in the morning, keep your mat around your bed.
