The First Step is the Hardest

By Cheryl Wright • Jan 13th, 2008 • Category: Lead Article, Personal Development, Project Management

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

How often have you found yourself not doing something because you fear that you might not complete the process? How many times have you put off trying something new because you think you don’t have enough information, the right skills or resources to reach your goal? Maybe you have not started because you are doubtful how it would turn out.

When it comes to your life and your career, the crux of the matter is not the end, but the beginning. For unless you take that crucial first step, whatever you envision will remain in the future.

Usually, people will say that it is ill advised to dive in head first on any project without a proper analysis of the process involved. On the other hand, many successful people can testify to the fact that a blind leap of faith saved them from a life of wishing and made their dreams a reality.

For many of us though, the journey to attaining something we desire is daunting. That is why it is necessary to sort through our fears and excuses which should then give us the impetus to take that first step.

We can find a million reasons for not starting something. But starting is what life is all about. Having the courage to take that first step on a new path is what opens new doors and opportunities for us. Yet every single step is so terrifying that it feels like a first step and a major challenge. Just remember that each step takes you closer to your goal.

When we start something new, we can never be sure where the experience will take us. Maybe the path will lead us to the expected outcome, or somewhere else — somewhere new and more exciting. Yet if we hold ourselves back from starting, we will never know what life might have held for us.

Is there something that you really want to do, but have been putting it off because of fear, doubt, or lack of confidence? Do you find yourself perched on the precipice of a new adventure, but can’t quite seem to move out and begin? Starting something new can be hard, but there are steps you can take to help you get out of the starting gate.

Step 1.

Be very clear as to why you want to do this. Are you doing it for yourself, to please someone else, or because you think you should? It is much easier to start something that you value, something that you’re passionate about.

Step 2.

Make sure that you have — or that you are willing to acquire — the skills, knowledge, and resources you will need to successfully navigate this new adventure.

Step 3.

Make a list of the concerns you have and then from that list, develop a plan of action that addresses each issue and how it might be resolved. It would be beneficial to have someone with whom you can brainstorm ideas and solutions.

Step 4.

Share what you are planning to do and what your goals are with someone. Making other people aware of your intentions will give you extra incentive and motivation to follow through on your commitment. It will also ensure that you have a moral and spiritual support for the journey. Depending on what you are setting out to accomplish, you might want to think about finding someone you could “buddy” up with. It is much harder to back out of a commitment when you have another person counting on you.

Step 5.

Select a specific start date that will give you enough time to adequately prepare, but not so much time that you begin to over-think and over analyze the situation.

It really does not matter who you are, what you are trying to accomplish, who might not approve or what your current standing is in your community. What matters is that you get past the belief that tells you that those things do matter. The point is to start taking action towards the life you envision for yourself.

With a prayer on your lips, and determination in your heart, jump whole-heartedly into your new adventure, confident that you have dealt with the fears and excuses that held you back before. Settle in, enjoy the journey and congratulate yourself on having the willingness, courage, and belief in yourself to take the first step.

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.