To Move a Mountain
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” This 2,500-year-old quote is attributed to the philosopher Confucius. It remains true for anyone with a goal and entrepreneurial spirit. Yet, we make resolutions to follow our dreams but are slow to follow through. Why is getting started so difficult?
Procrastination doesn’t help a person begin, but neither does motivation work without the energy to engage. Brain scientists say that a sufficient amount of dopamine has to be released in the brain for people to move ahead with their plans. This is especially hard for those who have difficulty focusing. They wait until the last minute for an impending consequence (reward or negative outcome) to heighten the brain so it will release dopamine.
Some people have interest-based rather than value-based (importance-based) nervous systems. Those who do are challenged to get close to the task. Their best path forward is to break their goal into achievable parts. Let’s say, the goal is to fix your snow blower but don’t do it because you don’t know where to get it repaired. If you change the task from fixing the blower to finding a repair shop, it is easier to get started. With the first task complete, the next goal is to call for an appointment. In other words, smaller tasks are the pebbles that get you to the starting line.
Unconscious negative emotions can hinder motivation, making it difficult to tackle even simple, straightforward projects. Waiting for external pressure to build a sense of urgency is a slippery slope that can lead to disaster. People who wait until the last minute can become sleep deprived, do mediocre work, and make mistakes.
If your hesitance is due to a lack of confidence, reaching a goal can feel like an overwhelming task. The way forward is to execute a plan with a timeline, small attainable parts, and a reward system that kicks in after each task is complete. Rewards can be as simple as taking a break for a cup of hot chocolate or a walk around the block. Whatever it is, it is important to recognize progress by patting yourself on the back. But don’t forget a contingency plan. Having one strengthens confidence and eliminates unwarranted fear.
A warm-up routine helps some people get you going. I remember my husband sharpening a dozen pencils before delving into a math assignment without the aid of a computer. He went through the motions daily even though most of the pencils were sharp. Self-talk can also work. When I was in high school found it hard to focus on school assignments so I bargained with myself. I agreed that if I concentrated on homework for a half-hour, I was entitled to daydream for 10 minutes. The method helped me through many difficult assignments.
Lack of financial security is a major hindrance to starting. Living month-to-month isn’t good enough to launch a big project. Depending on the project, it’s best to have a six-month to a year reserve before starting. But money isn’t the only thing to consider. Time management skills are also essential. You may have to trade away TV hours if your project is to succeed.
Self-confidence is a sticky wicket, especially for perfectionists When analyzing my business, I looked at annual rather than weekly trends. I found that perfectionists couldn’t take the stress of multi-year goals that aim for an imaginary pinnacle. I found it best to inch my way forward and celebrate small winnings rather than sit on the sidelines to work out every detail. Of course, that wouldn’t be a good idea if launching a spacecraft or new pharmaceutical.
If you have too much on your plate, lighten the load and find distraction-free space. You need to talk to family and friends to get emotional support and respect for your needs as you pursue your dream. But if you stall because you don’t know enough to implement the project, take time off to learn about it rather than let your dreams die.
A surprising number of people hesitate due to the fear of success. What will happen if you pull your dream off? Will you be treated differently? Will more be expected of you? It may seem irrational, but the fear of success can be as paralyzing as the fear of failure. It helps to visualize the future so you can avoid an unwanted outcome.
Whatever your dream, no matter your age, you have one life, so make the most of it. I started painting in my fifties and was a published author in my seventies. Gladys Burrill was a marathon runner at 92 years. Julia Child became a success at 50. Toni Morrison won a Nobel prize at 62. Ray Kroc was 52 when he founded the McDonald’s chain. At the age of 69, Hubert Jones started the Boston Children’s Choir. Vera Wang was a figure skater until entering the fashion industry after 40.
This coming year, why not resolve to follow your dream? Set goals, take a risk, and start to move one pebble at a time.
Reference:
Pandey, S. (2018) Things That are Stopping You from Pursuing Your Dream Career. Careerindia. retrieved from https://www.careerindia.com/tips/things-that-are-stopping-you-from-pursuing-your-dream-career-022785.html
Wax, D. What’s stopping You from Getting Started (and What to Do About It) Forbes Magazine. retrieved from https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/whats-stopping-you-from-getting-started-and-what-to-do-about-it.html
Cummins, M. (2022) Do You Know the 2 Reasons You Have Trouble Starting Tasks. Marla Cummins website. retrieved from https://marlacummins.com/trouble-starting-tasks-adults-with-adhd/
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