I rephrased Nike’s famous slogan, “Just Do It,” to “Just Start!” In either case, when taking some sort of action, things move.
One of the most life-changing moments in my life happened at a woman’s conference for NAFE – National Association of Female Executives. Held at UCLA and telecast from Texas, the anticipation for good information from the large attendance was palpable.
Upon registering, we submitted quotes meaningful to us. The best of those submissions would be selected and shared after the full-day seminar. This is when my life-changing moment occurred.
Following her closing address, the then-president of NAFE turned to the topic of our quote submissions. “I am alarmed that most of the quotes speak of a ‘no pain, no gain”‘ type of approach things.” She paused, smiled broadly, and continued, ” I am going to leave you with my secret to success.” With a slight Texas drawl, shared,
“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing half-ass.”
There was a loud gasp from the audience. My inner spirit leaped for joy. Those words liberated me from the paralysis of having to get things done “right” the first time. It permitted me JUST START.
I can’t tell you how much more productive I am by just getting something “out there” in an imperfect form – half-ass. Any writer will tell you their most significant challenge is getting started. Well, just start!
I like the tip Craig Duswalt, the creator of the successful “RockStar System for Success,” is giving wanna-be writers. That is, “Just write or type two or three sentences about ANYTHING, whether related to your topic or not. That effort gets the juices flowing, and before long, you are on your way.”
“JUST START” TIPS
Here are thee ways you can “Just Start.”
- Identify one task or project that you know you need to start, and you know you aren’t going to do perfectly from the get-go.
- When you bump up against procrastination, promise yourself, you’ll spend only five minutes on it. If you find yourself not wanting to stop, don’t go for more than an hour without a good break. I find that if you push yourself too hard for too long, you won’t believe yourself the next time when you promise yourself, “Just five minutes.”
- Celebrate your “start” by doing something kind for yourself. A nap. A bath. A massage? You know what pleases you. I find that knowing there is a treat at the end, it is easier to “Just Start.”
In conclusion
Nothing will stop you from taking action, as fast as an attitude of perfection. Could you give it up and live? You can! Just Start – whatever it is, “half-ass!” You’ll be surprised!
