Don't Know Where to Begin? (Begin Here. I've got you.)(Part 2)
In my last post, I took you through the first three steps. Here are the next three steps. These are not steps to improving yourself, nor are they vague ideas of what you might do. If you actually do them, they will begin to clear away what’s been keeping you stuck.
These are steps, though not the only steps, that take you out of not knowing and into proactively creating what you want. It’s not what others think you should do. It’s not what society has told you to do. It’s about going inside you and tapping into your deep inner knowing, your wisdom, your deepest longings.
The single greatest thing you can do for yourself is to lean into your desire, dig deep into courage, overcome the Resistance to define who you really are and what you are meant to do. We look for meaning outside us, but the answer is in us.
We often want to change the world, but that becomes an unfocused yearning. By turning inward, we find real answers to real questions. We find the way forward that is custom-built for us. Here’s a harsh truth … it’s not going to happen if you don’t make it happen. And this is how you do it. It’s not the only way. But, it’s an amazing way that has worked for countless others.
When we set out on a journey, sometimes it’s good to wander, but if you’ve been wandering for too long, you feel lost. That’s when it’s time to gather yourself, all you’ve learned along the way, and create work, a career, a project that aligns with your deepest desires.
You will, without a doubt, arrive at a destination in your life. Will it be one you choose or one that’s chosen for you?
Notice Your Thinking
Did any thoughts jump in there? Any “yeah, but’s”? Sometimes our thoughts progress like this:
Wow! I feel so relaxed.
I feel so light.
I’m excited
I’ll start tomorrow.
I’m too busy; I’m too tired, I’ll start next month
I’ll start when I’m sleeping better
I don’t know how
I’m not talented enough. What was I thinking?
Your thinking can propel you towards your dreams, or if you’re not aware of it, your thinking will stop you in your tracks. This is Resistance. This is how it shows up for you. (Go here to learn more about Resistance.)
What thoughts are coming up for you? Try saying, “so what” to your negative thoughts. How does that feel?
How Does It Feel One Year Into the Future, if You Don't Begin?
Let’s say you listen to those negative thoughts and you delay starting. What if one year into the future, this idea is still on your mind? You still haven’t found the time or energy to begin. You’ve tried to forget about it, but there it is.
How does it feel in your body when Resistance wins? Write it down. Are there labels for those feelings in your body?
Decide What You Want. Commit to Creating a Result.
Do you want to move forward? If yes, you need to know where you are now, where you want to go, and a a plan to get from A to B.
If no, are you feeling good about your reasons to hold off? Can you put it in your calendar to revisit in one month? Or three months?
Notice your thoughts and feelings. Are you choosing to take the pressure off right now and, as a result, never creating what you really want? Would it be worth it to be a little uncomfortable in the short term in service to a better, more meaningful future?
Whatever you decide, you are creating a result. Doing nothing creates a result that is essentially the same thing you already have. Whatever you choose, is it what you really, really want?
Next time we'll take a look at creating a plan. There are ways to move forward that don't require white-knuckling or using will-power to stay on track.
I really want you to figure out where you want to go, and to take that next step, so I’ll keep sharing what I’ve learned. If you want support as you take those first steps, 1:1 coaching can help you get clearer, keep you focused, and help you keep your commitment to yourself. It works when other things don’t.
