What’s more important: Starting Smart or Starting Today?

I bet you know the answer! Starting Today IS starting smart!

The power of Today is incredible! It’s like magic!

It’s the only time we’ve got-today-this morning-right now.

Let me stop and talk to those of you who are overwhelmed at the thought of starting today thinking:

-But I am not ready yet.

-I’ve got loose ends to tie up before I can start.

-What if I don’t follow through-again.

-Can I just wait until tomorrow to start?

-Today is not the day.

Listen, friend. I’ve been where you are. Believe me! I understand the overwhelm. I understand the stress and the pressure of “I’ve got to get it right!”, and here is what I mean by starting today.

But first, let me address a few myths:

1. You don’t have to achieve the goal in the next 24 hours.
2. You don’t have have to have the answers right now.
3. You don’t have to be in the perfect place right now.
4. You don’t need to make a big leap today.
5. You don’t need to see results today.
6. You don’t have to get it right today.

No. Starting today can look like this:

1. I am starting today.
2. I have made a decision to make moves.
3. I am turning the page today.
4. I am opening the door and peaking outside.
5. I am opening the blinds to check out the possibilities waiting just outside the window for me.
6. I am beginning to begin today.

Notice the baby steps. That’s where you can start.

If starting anything scares the heck out of you, then the above few thoughts are a starting place to –well–start.

Want to move beyond these thoughts? No problems! Here is how you can do that depending on the goal you want to work on starting today.

1. Take a shower and get ready-Put on clothes other than pajamas.
2. Sit up on a chair and at a table.
3. Turn off all music, TV and other electronics that have the potential to distract you. (Sit in your closet if you have to. I’ve done that on multiple occasions!)
4. Get a notebook-any notebook or legal note-pad will do. If you want to use loose-leaf paper, that’s great. Be sure to staple the pages so you don’t lose your notes.
5. Write. Write anything and everything about your goal.
   • What’s the goal?
   • When do you want to get started on it?
   • How do you feel about it?
   • Approximately how long will it take you to complete it?
   • What fears come up when you think about this goal?
   • What positive emotions come up when you think about completing this goal?
   • What are obstacles in your path?
   • What possible solutions you might have for the obstacles?
   • What resources would you need to complete this goal?
   • How can you keep your list of resources simple?
   • Choose 1 or 2 people who would be your perfect cheerleaders and go to people when you feel down. Just 1 or 2. No more because then it will become an obstacle to deal with others’ opinions.
6. Stop writing. Put down the paper and just breathe for a moment of two. Close your eyes and allow your mind to relax.
7. Go back to writing when something else comes to mind for you.
8. When you are done, put down the pen and read over your notes.

Allow yourself to feel proud of yourself in this moment. You have just begun the process of change.

You’ve just taken the first and most important step-You’ve written down all of the things from your head onto paper. Now you can look at everything and realize that it isn’t as scary. It’s doable. You’ve take action at this point.

The next step is to come back to this list later today or tomorrow. Schedule the steps into your calendar and begin working. Example:

1. If you are de cluttering, choose 1 room and schedule on your calendar for the next 4 weeks all the days and times you’ll tackle that room.
2. If you are starting a weight-loss journey, schedule an appointment with your doctor and get advice on what’s best for your health and put those actions on your calendar for the next 4 weeks. Maybe that looks like changing how you eat and trying different foods each week. Maybe that looks like taking a short 15-minute walk every day or every other day. Whatever it is, write it your calendar and get after it.
3. Maybe you are improving your relationship with someone. Spend time thinking about intentional time in your calendar with this person without your phone or electronics. If that’s where you have to start with a person in your particular life, then that’s perfect fine. Just start and put those “dates” in your calendar and follow through on those dates.
4. Maybe you want to manage your money. Start by scheduling 2-3 times a week for the next month to monitor how you are currently spending. Take notes. Write down what you are spending your money on. Become aware of all the subscriptions you are paying for-for example-I sort of forgot I was paying for Hulu because I never watched Hulu very much. Cancel subscriptions even if they are $1.99 a month if you no longer want them or need them.

If you have a specific situation, contact me and let’s set-up a free coaching session so I can help you see past all the mind drama and mindset blocks and find a solution to your current thoughts.

You got this!

Starting today. That’s the smartest choice!