The Power of Taking the First Step
Starting something new can be the hardest yet most rewarding thing you'll ever do. Whether it's launching a YouTube channel, exploring your creative passions, or pursuing a new hobby, the key is to simply begin. As a self-proclaimed chronic overthinker, I know firsthand how easy it is to get bogged down in research, planning, and analysis paralysis. But I've learned that the only way to truly make progress is to just start with what you have, where you are.
When I first started this YouTube channel years ago, I had a mere 300 subscribers. It would have been easy to get discouraged and abandon the idea entirely, waiting for the "perfect" gear, ideas, and plan to fall into place. Instead, I made the decision to commit to it and start posting videos that were important to me, without worrying about perfection. To my surprise, this simple act of starting has allowed my channel to grow exponentially, and I've had the privilege of connecting with so many incredible people as a result.
Overcoming the Fear of Failure
I know the idea of putting yourself out there can be terrifying. Your head will try to convince you of all the "what-ifs" – what if people make fun of me, what if I don't get it right, what if I fail? But the truth is, you'll never know the answers to those questions unless you actually start. Success is not the absence of failure, but rather the willingness to keep trying, even in the face of setbacks.
It's important to get comfortable with the fear of failure and the idea that your journey to success will be paved with a series of "failures" – learning experiences that ultimately propel you forward. As the saying goes, "success is just a ton of different failures strung together." Anyone who has achieved their dreams has started somewhere, with what they had, where they were.
Embracing a Kaizen Mindset
One of the philosophies that has been incredibly helpful for me is the Japanese concept of Kaizen – the practice of making tiny, incremental improvements over time. Instead of trying to overhaul your entire life or tackle a massive goal all at once, focus on taking small, consistent actions that move you in the right direction.
For example, if your goal is to be healthier, your first Kaizen step could be as simple as swapping out a sugary soda for a glass of water. If you want to be more creative, try setting aside just 5 minutes a day to doodle or experiment with a new medium. These small, manageable steps add up over time, allowing you to build momentum and make progress without getting overwhelmed.
Harnessing the Power of Inertia
The law of inertia states that a body in motion tends to stay in motion, while a body at rest tends to stay at rest. This principle can work in your favor when it comes to starting something new. Once you get the wheels in motion, it becomes much easier to keep going. The hardest part is taking that initial leap, but once you do, the energy and force of momentum will help carry you forward.
Of course, we're not robots – we're human, and it's natural to experience ebbs and flows in our motivation and productivity. The key is to be gentle with yourself and remember that it's okay to take breaks. The important thing is to keep coming back to your goal, to keep starting again, no matter how many times you may have stopped.
Just Start
Ultimately, the most important thing you can do is to just start. Stop overthinking, stop analyzing, and stop waiting for the perfect conditions. Get out of your own head, get out of your own way, and take that first step, no matter how small. Your limiting beliefs and the need for perfection should not hold you back from pursuing your passions and dreams.
I hope this message inspires you to take action today. Whether it's starting a new creative project, launching a business, or simply trying a new hobby, the time is now. Don't allow fear or uncertainty to keep you from getting out there and doing the thing. Just start, and let the momentum carry you forward.