The One Place to Start When You Don't Know Where to Start
It’s sometimes so hard to know where to start.
Whether we are beginning something brand new, picking up where we left off or just brainstorming about the next thing, we can often feel very stuck, especially at the beginning.
And as easy as it is to say, “just start somewhere,” that’s not always helpful when we don’t know where that somewhere is, or even how to get there. And that discovery, in and of itself, can feel overwhelming and draining.
When beginning something new, fear can take on many different forms. It can show up as resistance, distraction, questioning our worth, our reasons, our creative abilities. It creeps up and knows we are about to step into the land of unfamiliarity, it is there to meet us at our most vulnerable point. It blocks us and get’s in our way. It’s at this point where we can easily loose our confidence and retreat back to our old habits or the things that come easy to us.
As Elizabeth Gilbert says in Big Magic, “Your fear will always be triggered by your creativity, because creativity asks you to enter into the realms of uncertain outcomes, and fear hates uncertain outcomes.“
So then, how do we shift from this place of feeling stuck, where fear is hovering closely, to a place where we feel ready, excited, loosened up and courageous?
We do this ONE thing: We ask ourselves why.
Why is this so important to me?
Why is this worth my time?
Why is this idea always coming back and nudging me?
It could be as simple as, “it will create space for me to get the thoughts out of my head, it will allow me to have a little bit of fun, make a little movement, learn a new skill, connect back to the child inside.” Think of it not so much about the outcome, but the process.
What will the process of doing/making/working on this thing, do for you? And why is that important?
So as cumbersome, scary and hard, as it may feel when you think about starting (or re-starting) something new, connect back to your why, anchor in there and take a breathe. Your reasons are reasons are 100% valid and 100% worthy.
As always, I’m happy to work through this more with you if you are feeling an extra strong hold on starting something new. I so enjoy working with people in getting unstuck and to a place that feels exciting again. Contact me here or learn more about my services here.
