The Key to Starting

This quote was a staple in my home growing up. We had a framed photograph of an eagle with the quote printed below it. It’s inspirational for sure. But thinking about it today I realized many people are not quite ready to spread their wings. Some won’t take that step because they lack confidence in either themselves, a system, divinity, or humanity. For them, this quote isn’t inspiring at all. It’s horrifying.

What if you’re not ready to take that step into the darkness, and/or are certain you lack the resources to fly? Several factors affect our ability to get started and find momentum. Often, we need help finding that impetus. We have the desire for a thriving new business, a diploma, a clean house, or a waistline, but we can’t pull the trigger.

(Next week's blog will begin a series on the relationships that help influence our movement so stand by! For now, trust this; the people you surround yourself with have more to do with that impetus than you realize.)

Besides outside influence when needed, it's common to think the two things you need to get started are A) ability and B) opportunity. While I don’t disagree, I think there’s one other helpful prerequisite. Something we tend to get hung up on when we're looking into that unknown darkness. A third factor that makes all the difference between taking that leap and staying where we are.

What we need is a reason.

Here’s why. Ability and opportunity are critical, but even with an abundance of both, it’s never been easier to do nothing. With so much mindless information at our fingertips it's too easy to procrastinate and waste time. A reason gives you something to lose.

Years ago, Kelly and I bought a catering business. At the time, we were both unemployed. With bills adding up, we knew we needed to dive into something. We never would’ve bought the business had our finances been predictably stable. Mortgage and a family to feed are compelling reasons.

When I’m working on an art commission, I give my client a deadline. That deadline is more for me than them. I’ll never get it done otherwise. Once I’ve set that date, it becomes my reason.

If the deadline approaches and I’m not wrapping up, I bring my project out of the studio and onto the kitchen table. With a family of six, having a wet canvas on an easel plus painting sundries and scents in our central location is less than convenient. See what I do? Create a reason.

Your reason doesn't have to be profound. It could simply be... you’ve started. It's hard to give up sky-diving if you’ve already jumped out of the plane.

Once you have your reason, make a plan. Don’t overthink it. If your objective is clear and your reason is pure, the odds are in your favor. When we think too much, we psych ourselves out. Yes, planning is important. We'll talk about that. But at some point you’ll have to make the jump. Might as well be when you’re excited about it.

Are you concerned about investing in a door that will end up closing on you? Fear is worth mentioning here in its one major purpose - to keep us from starting. As soon as you get an inkling that the benefit is potentially greater than the risk, you have to act quickly. Learn about managing fear.

Still worried about failure? Chew on this. Closed doors have tremendous value - often as much as open doors. Without some mis-steps it would be difficult to confirm right ones (this is why Mom told me to date lots of boys!) Say oops. Ask yourself what's to be learned - it's teaching you something. Then adjust your trajectory with gratitude, and gain confidence in your improved accuracy.

Just remember this: a closed door hones the right path by eliminating a wrong one. So it’s okay if you make some bad turns. Don’t ever adopt “it’s too late” language. Starters won’t get stuck for long. As a Christian I champion the idea that it's never too late to change course. When you recognize you’re going the wrong way, turn to Jesus. There’s nowhere too far for Him.

One last note: If you’re around me long enough you’ll hear me say, “Love is the answer.” Loved ones provide the best reasons. We’ll do things we never imagined when love gets involved. Measure the distance you’d go for a loved one.

Now try this. Measure the distance you’d go for yourself.

Be true to you. Maximize your potential. Find your reason and take the leap.