The hardest step in a project is often the first step. And the first step is also the most important step.
There are plenty of catchy sayings to encourage us towards these important first steps: Well begun is half done. Don’t get it perfect, get it going. The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
There’s another one I like to keep top of mind: How about now?
But now is one of the most unappealing times to start anything, right? Tomorrow would definitely be better, we tell ourselves.
Habits expert Gretchen Rubin calls this tomorrow logic. It’s normal and everyone falls into this trap once in a while. I’ll be more prepared, have more time, get a better start – tomorrow.
Tomorrow logic wastes time and can be more exhausting than actually starting because we worry about it so much.
Need to write that email? How about now?
Have to make that call? How about now?
Gotta update that proposal? How about now?
Small steps can be particularly helpful when feeling overwhelmed.
Just open a new email and type out the subject line. Find the phone number and keep it nearby. Open the proposal and save it with a new date.
We all struggle with getting going, but the most successful people we know are typically those who can get going and keep going.
It’s about mindset and small motivations. It’s about getting out of your own way and asking more often, how about now?
Because the best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago. The second best time is today.
Have a great week.
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