4 Ways to Get Started Even If You’ve Never Done it Before

How many times have you had a great idea yet failed to get started on it? If you’re anything like me, probably a lot! Well, if you’re anything like me before I discovered these four steps, that is. These four things have helped me get started even if I had never tried to do what I was attempting. As they say, you don’t win the lottery without playing. Similarly, you don’t finish something (or even make progress on it!) if you don’t start.

Create a List of Evidence That Proves You Can Do It (Again)

One of the best ways to get out of your head and into doing mode, especially if you’re working yourself up about uncertainties, insecurities, and self-doubt is by making a list of evidence. Now, I’m not saying become Sherlock Holmes and try to crack any cases. I’m suggesting you create a list of things that you have attempted before. That way, you can build up a case file, so to speak of things that you’ve tried.

Whether they have gone well or not is inconsequential. The idea here is to get yourself into doing mode! By looking over your list of evidence, you can see all the things that you’ve done once you’ve gotten out of your own way and proof that you can do it again!

Find Similarities to Other Things You’ve Done

Is there anything on your evidence list that looks similar to this current idea you want to bring to fruition? Great! That’s even further proof that you are capable of accomplishing this goal you’re setting for yourself.

See, half (if not more) of this is pure mindset. The belief that you can do whatever you decide to do, whether you’ve done it before or not. When you find evidence that shows that you’ve done this before and you came out on the other side, it simply strengthens your mindset to believe that you are able to achieve whatever you desire.

The world needs you and your business, so please, take these first two steps seriously and use them to help move your mindset into an area of “I can do this!!”

Break It Down and Include Goals and Deadlines

Now that you are coming around to the idea that you are capable, worthy, and able to do whatever it is you’d like to do, it’s time to do it! Like I said, you can’t win the lottery if you don’t buy a ticket.

I love using design thinking to jump-start my brainstorming process. In particular, I really love ideating, or getting into creative problem-solving mode by asking, “How could I…”

Once you land on the thing you want to do and the vehicle you want to use to take you to the goal line (in other words, once you decide your path forward!) the easiest way to get going is by  breaking down the steps you need to take on that path.

You know that old saying, “How do you eat an elephant?” It’s just like that! One bite at a time. Not only is this less-daunting, it helps you create momentum and mini-wins to encourage you to keep going. By breaking your task into smaller steps, you’ll see what needs to come first and what can wait until later.

Also, assign yourself some deadlines along the way that are associated with your mini-steps. It’ll keep you moving, especially if you have other people keeping you accountable. Which brings me to… 

Find Support, Especially Support That’s Done This Before

A support system will encourage you when you need it and cheer for your wins right along with you as if they were their successes — all because they love you and want to see you do well!

There are a few kinds of support systems to take advantage of. Support systems in the form of family and friends, a mastermind group, a coach or mentor, and/or a team in your business.

Having a team around you as your support system is going to help you get into action. They’ll keep your energy up and, as in the case of a coach or mentor, guide you through the tough spots that you’re unfamiliar with so you can avoid wasting precious time on pitfalls they’ve already identified and can help you work around.

You don’t know what you don’t know. So, when you’re creating something new, seeking this expert guidance is one of the ways you can tackle your goals, even if you’ve never done them before!

Earlier this month, I hosted the Vivid Visibility Summit and I used all four of these steps. After all, it was close to things I’ve created before (like in-person retreats and VIP days) but I hadn’t created or hosted a virtual summit.

I worked with my coach and identified mindset deficidents that I needed to shore up so I could get into action mode and lead my team. I relied on experts to guide the way (like my project manager who knew all the things we’d need to do to make this summit a success) and my support system to help me as I ramped up to the event and on the day-of the summit itself! Anthony jumped on to help answer tech questions and my VA was there to ensure it was a great experience for attendees, too.

So, whether you’re a seasoned business expert or just launching your business, you will encounter something new to you that you’d like to try. Follow these steps and you’ll have the right mix of mindset and tactical skills to deliver you at your end goal. Then, you can say that you’ve done it and add it to your evidence list