One of the biggest issues many of us face with our businesses is getting started. Sometimes it’s hard to just get started with the business. Other times, you might struggle with starting a project. I know that sometimes I have serious work from home challenges when it comes to starting a long post or big project.
If you want to succeed with your business, you need to understand why you have such a hard time getting started, and figure out what you can do to overcome those difficulties.
Why Getting Started is So Hard
We hear a lot about procrastination in our lives. Whether we put off paying bills, calling that client, putting together a business plan, or starting on the next big project, procrastination can be a problem.
Part of the issue is inertia. We get comfortable in our trajectory, and it’s hard to break out of that. It takes extra energy to get started. This can be an issue moving forward, especially if you want a successful business.
Another problem is that we tend to value the immediate rewards we receive while procrastinating. Think about it: What activities do you engage in when you are procrastinating? I might read a book or take longer when eating my lunch (usually because I’m reading a book). Perhaps you are surfing the Internet or using social media.
The reality is that these types of activities are immediately rewarding. You enjoy checking your Facebook likes right now, and I find reading pretty addictive. These pleasurable activities are more rewarding in the short-term than working on something that will help your business, or tackling a task that you don’t really care for. While the long-term rewards of getting started are greater, it’s hard to see that when you’re in the moment and your brain is wired for short-term rewards.
Overcome Procrastination Using the Following Strategies
Once you understand why getting started with something is a challenge, you can start overcoming those tendencies. Just because we are wired a certain way doesn’t mean you have to stick with it. You can make changes to your routine that can help you move beyond procrastination:
- Reduce the size of the project: Getting started is hard because thinking of the end result is overwhelming and feels long-term. Break the project down into bite-sized pieces that are easier to start — and that allow you to measure progress at shorter-term intervals.
- Create a routine: You can use your routine to get started. Slowly, little by little, add new items to your routine so that it’s easier to get started. Taking it slowly so that you have time to incorporate your routine into your life can help you get started without really realizing what you’re doing.
- Set your own deadlines: Finally, you can reduce the difficulty of getting started by setting deadlines for your smaller projects. These deadlines can help you get moving. With the smaller deadlines for the different parts of your project, you can make sure the larger project is completed on time, and that you are celebrating progress as you go.
Just understanding how to create a rewards system for your brain during this time can be a good way to move forward and get beyond the difficulties of starting your projects.
