Well, it does feel like a beginning is upon us. Not only is spring – the season of renewal – in the air, but the pace of vaccinations is gathering momentum and there are welcome hints of normalcy. For me, spring is in my step. And, after a long and bleak winter, I am feeling energized and in the mood for action.
A common hurdle when facing a new project or task is not knowing how to start. (See my recent blog post on procrastination.) So, how do we get started? Even before how (or where), consider why. Connecting an action to a larger purpose changes our relationship to the task and generates valuable inspiration to get us going. Rather than “How do I start?”, ask yourself: “For what purpose am I doing this?”
For example, I might consider organizing my spice rack a mundane task (or even a distraction) until I connect it with purpose: I am organizing my kitchen tools to de-stress the process of cooking and better enjoy preparing food for my family. The same concept can be applied to something that is in progress or ongoing. For me, remembering purpose can help me pause when my tendency is to do: I am meditating daily for the sake of developing awareness, balance, and resilience. (Note: this is different than meditating because I should.)
Connecting an activity to a greater purpose changes the energy around the task and inspires me to continue – even when my desire in the moment is running low. It also allows me to choose an action on purpose.
Considering why we’re doing what we’re doing – and knowing it’s not because we should – puts us consciously in the driver’s seat. It frees us to commit to an action with a sense of agency and conviction. And – equally beneficial – it motivates us to action.
Here’s how to get started on your next project with clarity, focus, and energy.
Get clear on your purpose.
Consider a task that you are struggling to find motivation or focus. Ask yourself: How does this matter? To help, you can imagine a future you with the project completed. What are the positive outcomes that have come from completing it, and what is the impact of those outcomes? Now, go one level deeper. With your answers in mind, ask And what would that mean? Didn’t strike a chord yet? Repeat the process. Consider your answer and again ask And what would that mean? Do this until you land somewhere meaningful and your inspiration is stirred. When you are clear on your purpose, capture it. Write it on a piece of paper and tuck it in your pocket, print it in your journal, or – go ahead – emblazon a large piece of paper and tape it to your wall.
Envision future rewards.
Our brains are naturally inclined to take action toward perceived rewards. We can use our minds to direct attention to rewards, influencing our perceptions – and our perceptions determine our reality in any given moment. In other words, we can focus on future rewards to create a better, more inspiring now. To perceive rewards, envision yourself doing some aspect of the project or task and imagine what would be enjoyable or important about it. What feels good when you consider the task a small part of a greater purpose? Keeping attention on rewards throughout the process (as well as savoring results at the end) can help keep your motivation up and you moving forward.
Then start.
With clarity of purpose and an energized self, you’re poised to start. Productivity guru David Allan (author of Getting Things Done) prescribes the simple question: What’s the next action? The focus is on a single step, expressed in terms of action, rather than an overwhelming mass of steps that may be overwhelming and difficult to define. It also presupposes the possibility of change, and that you are in a position to make something happen. And it highlights the most important piece – starting itself. Starting alone is a success to savor, and the desire to continue usually follows. So, what’s your next action?
Wishing you a spring of renewed clarity and inspiration – and a fresh start.
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