Let’s be honest …one of the greatest hurdles any of us face when trying to accomplish anything at all is finding the motivation to get started. Whether you’re starting a website, trying to get in shape, want to spend more time with your kids, or plan to take up a new and exciting hobby, getting from here to there is a challenge.
Even if the cause is a noble one that you know will enhance your life, or the business idea has the potential to disrupt your industry and make you rich, moving forward with intent can be daunting. The “why” for this type of behavior is outside my area of expertise; there is likely more to it than “you’re just being f*cking lazy.”
However, the groundwork for getting off our asses and making things happen can be found in 3 simple words that have been part of our society for three decades.
Getting People Moving for 30 Years
It was way back in 1988 that Nike coined their iconic slogan, “Just Do It”.
For 30 years, we have seen it in magazines, televisions commercials, on billboards and now online. And regardless of what you think of the brand, the clothing or the gear, those three words are all you need when you find yourself staring off into space and making things far more complicated than they need to be.
Apparently, the “Just Do It” slogan was borrowed from the last words of American murderer Gary Gilmore. He was sentenced to death and chose a firing squad as the method, stating, “Let’s do it” just before he was executed. Not exactly a cozy kind of story, but it’s certainly interesting.
Enlightenment or Just Procrastination?
Today, you’ll see and hear the word “hustle” a lot when it comes to turning an idea into action, but to me, “Just Do It” has a simplicity that transcends any other word or phrase. Before you even get the excuse out of your mouth, there’s a big “Just Do It” punching you in the face and hurling you in the right direction.
Anyone who spends any amount of time at all on social media knows there is an astronomical number of inspiring and enlightening memes and phrases out there designed to get you to feel good and be productive. They are also a good way to waste a whole pile of time when you should just be doing it.
I would go so far as to suggest many of us spend time scrolling through this wasteland of shit just to avoid having to take the action you need to take. Deep down, you know the only way to feel the way you want about your business, your body, your relationships or your overall health is to “Just Do It”.
Get Out of Your Own Way
Your mind can be your greatest ally, but it can also be your worst enemy. I’m just throwing out a number, but I’d wager that at least 50% of the thinking most of us do when faced with getting started can be classified as over-thinking. The actual number may be much higher.
The vast majority of the time, the only thing standing between you and your goals is you. You need to get out of your own way and let it happen already. If you have ever turned off the conscious mind in order to eat a whole bag of cookies, chips, an entire pizza (know I have)…then you need to learn how to do that when it comes to accomplishing positive goals.
Yeah, but…Just Do It!
I know, but I haven’t…Just Do It!
I’m not sure I’m ready for…Just Do It!
Turn off that annoying part of your brain; get off the computer and Just Do It.
Just Do What?
Now, there may be instances when you aren’t quite sure what that “It” is, and if that sounds like you, then the “It” is to create an action plan to achieve your goal. You wouldn’t even drive from A to B without a map or GPS guiding you, so if you’re eager to get going but aren’t sure where to start, you need a plan.
Also, I’m not the one to help you create the plan, but there are a ton of resources available. I have a vision board above my desk with “Just Do It” displayed prominently for when I’m leaning toward procrastination mode. You can also try this visualization technique that could help you get going.
The key things to remember are that too much thinking is going to get you nowhere. Too much time searching for an inspirational quote online is going to get you nowhere. The only way to get started is to start, and the only way to achieve the goals you’ve set is to take action. So, quit wasting time in 2018 and Just Do It!
If your content needs aren’t being met, or it’s finally time to launch that big website or blog, get in touch with us today for a free consultation and we will help you get the process moving!
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