A lot of folks are providing top ten lists for the year and even the decade. I am skipping those on my blog and ending off the year a simple statement; start today.
You don’t need a resolution, a mission statement, or the perfect set of people to accomplish what you want to do. You don’t need a set amount of money in the bank, the right time at your job or life, or even for whatever event is going on right now to pass. You don’t need permission, you don’t need official approval, and you certainly don’t need a book telling you what to do. You probably do not need a course or how-to guide, a newsletter, or video series. You don’t need the perfect background, you don’t need the perfect business plan (man how that will change over time!), you don’t need a 3 year projection or budget. You most likely don’t need the amount of money you think you do. You don’t need to incorporate, you don’t need business cards, you don’t need a “website tonight”, and you don’t need to max out your credit card. Heck, you don’t even have to wait for the new year – pledge to start 12/31/09!
The biggest psychological hurdle in doing something is always the first step. If yesterday you were “going to start something” then tomorrow you should simply start saying “I started something.” Try it out and see how it feels – you will be amazed at what happens next.
There is no big difference between saying you are going to do something in the future, and they saying you are doing something today, but the psychological hurdle is tremendous.
Everyone has a different first step, but the best way to begin is to start today.
December 30th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Eric – I love this, and completely agree. Every week we start off our company meeting with an inspirational read or video, this post will kick off 2010!
December 30th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
actually, I'll send it our today
December 30th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Awesome thanks! I like that its going out early. Let me know if any of it resonates.
January 3rd, 2010 at 3:19 am
great post!
John
ADstruc
http://www.ADstruc.com
Online buying platform for outdoor advertising.
January 4th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I can relate to the sentiment especially in terms of SEO. If I would have taken action when I first started reading about different processes, I'd have much better SERPS today then I do. Sometimes, a perfect solution does not exist and hard work is the only way to get from point A to B.
January 17th, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Missed this one and love it.
I grew up listening to Hardcore & Punk music and one of the most influential bands were Gorilla Biscuits with their song “Start Today”. Great stuff:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cId9hgq1Lw