Just Start

This week, from emails, to Facebook, to bumper stickers... everywhere I look I keep getting the same message to "Just Start". Maybe it's because of my ongoing To-Do list, or my goal sheet hanging above my desk, or all the ideas swirling around in my head... but this message, "Just Start" keeps nudging me.
Maybe you can relate: When you have multiple things you want to accomplish, it's hard to know where to begin. Sometimes it can be so overwhelming that you just don't do any of the things on your To-Do list. It can cause anxiety and procrastination and a total shut down.

It seems to be easier to just get though the day to day items, like brushing your teeth, getting the kids to school, and making dinner. Never mind the extra errands, the additional piles, and your dreams and goals. It is too daunting to just get through the day. Have you ever felt this way? You have goals and dreams that are always pushed to the back of other daily duties because you don't know where to begin.

After seeing this message of "Just Start" so much this week, I realized that I already knew what I have been putting off starting, but I had to dig to find out why. I have a lot of balls in the air... so many ideas... from speaking, to creating workshops, to writing eBooks, to guest blogging. So, these are the dreams I have been putting off... now why haven't I put these goals into place? I know why...

The answer is fear!
The dreaded fear:

Fear of failing.
Fear of doing it wrong.
Fear of people not liking my work.
Fear of the unknown.

Fear of being too good.
Fear of being too successful.
Fear of being great.
Fear of being the best.

Below is one of my all-time favorite quotes from one of my favorite authors, Marianne Williamson.

Read it a few times and let it sink in... it really makes a lot of sense!

Isn't fear a silly notion? Yes, some fear is very real. If you have been attacked by a pit bull before, then having a fear of those dogs is very natural and real. But let's face it, most of us fear things that are never going to happen. Why would we be afraid of trying something we have a passion for? Why would we be afraid to try something new? I keep asking myself these questions and the answer of fear isn't a healthy one. Fear and worry are a lot alike, and I heard this quote once that makes me think,

Worrying (or fearing) is praying for something you don't want. 

So, when we are projecting fear and letting fear stifle our actions that would allow us to reach our goals, fear has won. We are essentially letting something that isn't even real have power over us. Now, that seems silly!

So, what I am going to do is this: I am going to start with my list of goals I want to accomplish and "Just Start" with one of them. I will do the best job I can, and if I make mistakes along the way, I will learn from them and move forward. I will then move on to my next goal, and keep crossing off and adding to my list. What are you going to do?

Think about this: What if Thomas Edison or Lucille Ball or Steve Jobs didn't pursue their passion because of fear? Look at all the joy and wonder they have spread because they went for it! Is there something you have been putting off because of fear? Are you afraid that you are just too awesome?

Take Action: This week and moving forward, let's get our goal lists out and dust them off. Let's nudge fear out of our way and start putting our passion first. Let's not be afraid of how outstanding and talented we are! Let's dive in with both feet and go for it! If we fail, we'll get right back up and try again... If we don't fail, how powerful is that!?!?!