We decided to open up this blog with something we ourselves have struggled with. Getting started! This blog has been something that we have wanted to bring to life for years, but as with anything, life gets in the way. With the newfound “reality” we are living with during the pandemic, we have found it even MORE important to help others build things to make this world a better place. Having done a lot of one on one coaching and mentoring, we think that there is a real value that we can share but wanted to start a platform that can have more scale and more reach. So here we are, FINALLY starting, and committing to creating content and tools for all the builders out there that could use some help. So, in order to make progress, you must start!
Why is it so hard to get started? For many people, the final goals are exciting, but the steps to get there seem so insurmountable, that at times, it may seem pointless to even begin. Well, how did we finally get to the point of being here, and writing this article? We recently read a book named Atomic Habits and with some “Aha” moments, it punched us in the gut a bit. The only way to make something great is to get started AND make a commitment to consistent progress. Otherwise known as a habit! Atomic Habits nails the idea of this, and from reading this book, we have committed to getting 1% better on a daily basis by overcoming our lack of willpower, making small changes to achieve big results, and understanding it is a process and commitment to getting back on track if we get off course.
Two things that deserve mention related to starting something new are two of the most common barriers to starting. They are analysis paralysis and self-doubt. Two very strong demotivators that need to be hit head-on and overcome. Let’s start with analysis paralysis; This is one thing that we see WAY too often, and it is ultimately just an excuse to not start. Yes, there is definitely value in creating a plan and following a plan, BUT not to the point that creating the plan and evaluating the plan keeps you from executing the plan and making some real progress. So, how much analysis should you do before you start executing on a plan? I think a simple way is once you have done enough analysis to explain it to your grandparents, you are ready to start!
The second common barrier to starting is self-doubt. For a first time builder, this is a real worry, but once again, no progress can be made until you start. The best way to overcome self-doubt is by doing, and the learning and progress along the way will slowly erode any doubts you may have about yourself.
We are excited to get started on this journey and help all of the builders out there execute on their plans. It has been a dream of ours to build scale behind our mentoring and we are ready to execute on our plan. Building something is always a journey, and the journey begins with the first steps.