Just Do It

JUST DO IT.

I'm serious.

You know that thing that you have been wanting to do? That business idea you have, that blog you've been wanting to start, that book you've been wanting to write, that trip you want to take...

Just do it. Or maybe I should say, "Just start it."

Just having a good idea is not enough...you have to begin to execute that idea.

Because you know what? I hate to tell you this, but... It is NEVER going to be the perfect time to start.

We all make those excuses. You know the ones I'm talking about. You tell yourself you'll start next week, next month, when you're skinnier, smarter, have more time, making more money, when your kids are older, when your health is better...and so on.

But you know what? When you get skinnier, smarter, healthier, older or whatever it is that you're waiting for, then something else will come up. Some new excuse, some new obstacle will arise. Because that's life!

So what do you do? How do you start? Here are my 3 simple steps I take when trying to tackle a new goal or project.

How To Start

1. 

Write down your project, idea or goal. 

Then make a list of all of the reasons why you CAN'T start right now. 

I know, it seems backwards. You're probably wondering why we aren't making a happier list with positive vibes and motivation and rainbows! Here's the deal...when you write down all of your excuses on paper and read them back to yourself, they start to sound sort of silly.

One of my biggest reasons for not starting my business sooner was that I was afraid of financial failure, which to me meant that I would be homeless. Really??? As if my mom, dad, sister, aunts, uncles, grandma, friends, neighbors, spin instructor, etc. would EVER let me be homeless?! So silly...

Take those negative thoughts out of the darkness in your head, shed some light on them and I promise, they will seem a lot less scary.

2. 

Write down your project, idea or goal. 

Come up with 3 easy things you could do RIGHT NOW to get the ball rolling.

Purchase a domain name for your website. (They cost like, $10. Just do it.)

Google how much it would be to fly to your dream vacation destination.

Write a blog post. (You don't have to publish it.)

Update your resume.

Design a business card online with your dream job title on it. (You don't have to buy it. Yet.)

Start a savings jar towards your project/dream and put in $1 a day. Then make it $2, then $5, etc. (It's more than you were saving before...)

Buy a book that is relevant to your dream or idea.

Research other people that are doing what you want to do.

There are a million little things you can do that will at least get you to START. And all of these little things will begin to add up. Each little action will be sending out a message to the universe that you've begun. And when you have finished the first 3 things, write down another 3 and keep going!

3.

Deal with the fear of imperfection and 

write down 3 goals you wish to accomplish in the next 3 months. 

No one has ever started a business and made it successful in one day. Or published the very first draft of their book. Or perfected their vision or brand in one minute. It takes time. You have to be ok with the fact that you aren't going to be perfect when you start...or ever! You will make mistakes, you will mess up, one of your ideas or projects may completely bomb. 

But that's ok. I find that people relate to me better when I mess up or make a mistake because it makes me human. And the sooner you start, the sooner you will get over the initial awkward stage and begin to make something of your little idea.

Write down 3 goals you would like to accomplish in the next 3 months. Even if they don't have anything to do with your idea or project, getting into the habit of completing goals and seeing them materialize will shift your whole perspective. Vision boards, journaling and daily affirmations are also a huge help!

So...Do your research. Make the leap. Just do it. 

It's going to be scary no matter when you start, so why not now?