Just Get Started Success Awaits
I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do. And by the grace of God, I will.
Edward Everette Hale
Just get started. There is nothing else to be said about going after our goals. We have to start. We can often let the search for perfection get in the way of progress. We let our doubts derail our efforts. We forsake our journey because we feel we are not enough. A lurking sense of inadequacy, subtle like a hidden whisperer, can trip us up causing us to second guess our decision to pursue our passion. Just getting started will help us overcome the doubts and gradually build the confidence we need to push forward.
The questions we have about our ability will slowly dissipate the more we use our abilities. A few things I think are helpful in your chosen journey:
- Focus on the process
- Proceed with compassion
- Review your work
Focus on the process
Focusing on the process is about enjoying the journey. Thinking less about the end goal and more about the act of getting there.
Being fully engaged in our work helps us unlock a reservoir of creative energy. Mindful engagement dampens down the noise of doubt giving us the space to just be.
As you learn and develop in your craft use your unlocked mental capacity to focus on the new techniques and skills you wish to develop. Attention to detail in your practice will allow you to pick up on the subtle clues regarding your progress.
Review your work
Review your work. Take note of what is working and what is not. Pay attention to what feels good to you in its execution and what is clunky. Reviewing your work helps you find your voice , your unique take on your practice. I find that writing in a journal is helpful in gaining a deeper perspective regarding one’s craft.
Proceed with compassion
It’s important to remember that the path to achievement is scattered with mistakes and learning opportunities, therefore we we must proceed with compassion. We should not take failure personal. We have to forgive ourselves for our shortcomings as they form the foundation of our growth. Maintaining compassion keeps us from shutting down and keeps us moving forward. Compassion keeps us consistent in our efforts so that our ultimate goal is realized.
