I was having a hard time beginning. I know each moment is completely precious and sacred and I don't want to squander or waste any of it...and yet, I, like you, sometimes can't help myself. I find myself at the fridge or scrolling social media when really I should be following my heart's call. So, while facing my resistance of non-starting I wrote this list.
20 Things to Do When You Are Having a Hard Time Starting (and some of the people who inspired this list).
(Spoiler alert--I then dove in and started two Willow Trees. Yaassss.)
1. Make a list (of all the things).
2. Stretch.
3. Music (Follow Rachel Hollis Advice and have an energizing playlist at the ready.)
4. Sleep/Rest (Not as procrastination but as extreme necessary kindness.)
5. Set timer. You only have to 'start' for 15 minutes.
6. Pair. Put the thing you are having a hard time starting together with something you love starting (for me podcast, for you it might be #3 or something else.) (Thank you Gretchen Rubin for this idea.)
7. Clean a drawer or surface (Not as procrastination but as an act of creating space to begin.) (Marie Kondo)
8. Make gratitude list, Ten things. (Ann Voskamp)
9. Acknowledge what you really want. I mean, really want. Make a list of these things, big and small. Circle ONE you can take action on now. (Regena Thomashauer)
10. Pray for forgiveness, self-acceptance (holding negativity towards others or ourselves can block beginning).
11. Pray for release from the resistance.
12. Write letter to your resistance.
13. Write letter from the higher part of you, the part that shows up and persists, the part that is courageous. (Martha Pitcairn)
14. Lovingkindness meditation. Think of others who feel this same way. What would you hope for them? (Tara Brach)
15. Move your hips (dance, hula hoop, hip-opening yoga poses).
16. Do a (guided) meditation. If you aren't going to do the thing...then get more still. Do nothing. Let your monkey mind quiet down.
17. Change your physical location, go outside
18. Write your goals in the present tense. Not as far off ideas. But as if they are already unfolding. (Rachel Hollis)
19. Watch other people be brave (Youtube auditions for TV shows or Tiny Desk Concerts.)
20. Begin. Take action. (Know that resistance leaves after action). (Stephen Pressfield)