Master The Art of Getting Started

A guide for the life procrastinators

For 5 years, I’ve struggled with getting started.

I’ve always wanted to start creating things online and share my ideas with the world.

I’ve always understood the impact and benefits of creating online would have.

But I kept waiting for the "perfect" time to go all in.

If I had started all those years ago, I can only imagine where I'd be now.

Now imagine where I’d be in another 5 years if I continue to postpone getting started... in the same situation I am now.

This scares the shit out of me and it should scare you to.

I made this guide is for you, the person who continues to hold off on starting your journey to build the life you actually want. Starting that big thing that you’ve been putting for weeks, months, maybe even years…

Let’s get into it.

Why we procrastinate

Why do we put things off that we know is important and will ultimately benefit us in the future?

• Fear of failure

• Perfectionism

• Lack of confidence

• Overwhelm

• Distractions

• Lack of time management skills

• Negative self-talk

• Low energy levels

• Perceived lack of resources

• Fear of success

• Immediate gratification bias

• Lack of accountability

I wrote this whole list and realised it just became a big list of excuses.

Instead, it can be summed up in one sentence:

Your drive to delay is stronger than your drive to act.

Everybody will have different reasons but essentially you would rather feel good in the moment and not go through the discomfort of actually starting the task that will move you closer to what you want.

Now that we've identified the reason why we procrastinate in the first place.

We can look for solutions.

How to make getting started easy

For years, I was just aimlessly trying things, thinking I was making progress, but I never actually started.

But something changed recently.

I gained clarity.

I got clear on what the outcome I want and what actions I need to take to achieve it.

So, ask yourself these 3 questions:

• What is it you want to achieve?

• Why you want to get started in the first place?

• How do you plan to get there if you took action now?

Let’s start with the first two.

What and Why

Navigating life without a clear goal is like sailing a ship without a destination to steer toward. You will drift aimlessly in a sea of possibilities.

Start a with a clear goal. A clear goal has a “what” and “why”.

Your big goal is your "what." Your reason, or your "why," will fuel you past distractions and fears. Then work you way to back to come up with a solution or a “how”

Here’s how to define a your goal:

For example:

Goal - I want to live a life of freedom, fulfilment, creativity, and wealth. I want to give back to my family and help others.

Solution - I understand the benefits of building an online audience and I plan on building a creative online business using social media as leverage. I will commit to providing some form of value and consistently share with others.

If you’re struggling with knowing your goal. There is another way that can be an even more motivating reason to get you going…

Anti-Goals

If you don't have a vision of where you want to be, start with where you don't want to be. Sometimes an anti-goal is a much more powerful drive.

For example:

Anti Goal - I know that I don't want to work for someone else for the rest of my life.

Solution - I understand that using the internet to build leverage and wealth is a way to escape.

Use negativity to drive your mind in the direction of a solution.

Ok cool, so, how do we actually start?

First, let's talk about a crucial step that many people overlook.

Belief

Let’s pretend you’re a pirate. If someone told you that there was treasure out there but you know deep down it doesn’t exist, you wouldn’t dedicate your whole life to finding that treasure. You wouldn’t even start to look because you know it’s impossible to find it.

You have to believe what ever you are starting is worth it and it’s actually possible.

A good rule of thumb is if someone else like you has done it then so can you.

Without that belief, you may never even start on the path to finding your own “treasure”.

Remember, it's not just about the end result. But having something to work towards is better than drifting aimlessly.

Plan (How)

We need a map. A map that can direct us towards the “treasure”. One that gives us the confidence to start on the journey.

The internet has laid out the roadmap for almost anything that you want to learn or do.

Find someone who you look up to online and go back to their first posts, articles, videos, or whatever, and study how they got to where they are now. Learn from their path to success and use it as the launching pad for your own master plan.

So, how do you create this map/plan?

Try this journalling exercise I’ve taken from Leon Hendrix.

1. How can I get there

2. What milestones would be required

3. What resources would you need: traits, beliefs, skills, mentors (copy the mentors)

4. What would I need to let go of?

5. What identity do I need to adopt to get there

Now, before I share a few important tips, let me address something: if you're feeling overwhelmed by all of this, don’t worry.

Just do this instead:

Don’t listen what I just said

Creating the perfect plan is killing your potential.

Planning is important, but over planning can send you into a state of analysis paralysis. If everything has to be a flawless plan, you waste time chasing perfection instead of taking action.

Embrace taking imperfect action.

Here’s how:

Chase your curiosity.

An example: I’m curious to see what my life will look like if I commit to putting things online for at least a year. I’m not focused on the end result. I’m curious about the process of creation and building a business.

You don’t have to be passionate straight away. Passion reveals itself when we pay attention to our curiosities.

Note: Curiosities come from asking yourself ‘what if’ or ‘I wonder if’.

Do things because you’re curious to see what would happen. Not because you have a grand vision for the future.

This takes away the pressure of having it all figured out before you start.

Also, the journey will probably be much more enjoyable and exciting.

If you have something that your are curious about doing.

Take action and just start. You can iterate along the way.

3 important tips to remember:

1. Understand things will change

Just because we started something doesn't mean we have to do it forever.

Remember it doesn't need to be concrete. It needs to be enough to get started. It's ok to pivot, you can divert your course along the way.

But it’s important that we start now so we can find what we’re looking for sooner rather than later.

2. You’ll never be ready

You will suck at first.

You will probably embarrass yourself.

You could fail.

Do it anyway.

There are people with much less experience, with much more success than you, just because they got started.

3. Avoid procrastination disguised as productivity

Excessive learning is procrastination disguised as productivity.

I'm guilty of this and I can almost guarantee you are to:

• You watch one tutorial.

• You watch two tutorials.

• You watch three tutorials…and so on.

Then never take action.

Learning is addictive. It can feel like you are making progress but this isn't true. Progress comes from putting your learnings into action.

Learn → Act → Grow → Repeat ∞

Conclusion

Here’s a summary of how to master the art of getting started, so you won’t live a life of regret:

1. Create a vision.

2. Believe it’s possible.

3. Make a plan.

4. Chase your curiosities.

Remember all this doesn’t matter unless you do this:

Stop fighting your fears, feelings, and frustrations. Submit to these feelings and get it done. Take action and do the damn thing.

Stop waiting until you're ready.

You’ll never be ready.

You know what you need to do.

Just start.