Thinking is Hard, Doing is Easy.
Starting is always the hardest part of taking on a job. Whether it’s small things like exercise and chores or big things like launching a new business, getting going is the hardest part. This blog post is a great example of the complicated dynamic I have with to-do’s. I would image most people on the outside would say I am a capacity person that accomplishes a lot in a day (this isn’t necessarily a good thing). Even if the task is something I am excited about, like launching Tutu & Ruth, getting going can be hard. Maybe it’s because I am a perfectionist (enneagram 1w9). Or maybe it’s because I am constantly distracted. Or maybe it’s because I don’t always prioritize. But I do know this- Thinking is harder than doing! It is harder to think about exercising than actually putting my clothes on and going for a 30 min run. It is harder to think about cleaning out my kids closets than just putting on some music and getting it done. It is WAY harder to think about launching a company than actually dedicating time to step-by-step building the business.
So if you are thinking about starting a something new, just do! Get out of your head and take one step in the right direction. Write the first sentence of a blog post, write one email campaign, send 1 email to a prospective client etc. Once you start, the momentum builds, confidence builds and you may end up having to force yourself to stop. Here are some additional tips that keep me from wasting time in my head and actually producing work.
Start Early… Get stared on that thing you have been procrastinating on in the early morning. Take 20-30 minutes FIRST thing and get started. I find that it is much easier to finish (ex. designing and scheduling an email campaign) later in the morning or day, if I have already gotten started.
Batch Work… Since starting is the hardest part, take advantage of your effort and work on several similar tasks at for a period of time. Once you write that first blog post, use your momentum and write 5 more. Once you get out of your head and plan a few social media posts, keep at it and plan for the month. Batch working (in theory) also helps you stay ahead which can take the pressure of immediate work.
Set a Timer… and give yourself a reward. This tip works great for my kids and works wonderful for me too! Set a timer for even as little as 20 min and start that project that you have been dreading. And if it helps, give yourself a reward at the end. Ideally something life-giving like taking a walk or calling a friend.
Keep Notes… Doing is easier when your thoughts are captured somewhere. Try keeping a notes section on my phone for several categories (like- social media ideas, blog thoughts, new product plans). I also keep several notebooks around. Brain dumping information you want to remember helps clear your thoughts and makes “doing” easier.