16: Just Start

Ever find sometimes it is so hard to begin, ever think more about that and the why or reasons behind it? Peter and Todd dive into this thought track and uncover things along the way which have served them as well as things which maybe... well not so much. Related points: If we wait until we're ready, we risk never getting started at all. The more you resist doing something, the more you will get from doing it. It can become paralyzing to gather 'all' the info before making a decision. For many, interest drives adoption and beginning. Make a decision and move forward like it was the right one. To motivate the unmotivated - find the smallest piece and build from that. Learning something new can be a catalyst of interest and intent. Mental habit / action / tool examples: Progress is the biggest motivator - but to have some level of progress, you must act even when you don't feel like it, and that takes a certain level of mental resolve. Begin a monolithic task by discovering the smallest thing you can take any action on/toward - the minimal viable piece. The better than yesterday's is based on a low trajectory with a distant horizon. With failure or setback along the way to a goal, try to observe the instance (of failure or setback) as a 'strike' rather than an 'out' (baseball terms). Everyone is motivated differently, discovering what motivates you is a wonderful place to begin. If you put off starting because you have no skill in that area, find one small skill and begin learning. Peter’s tactical tips: (~27:49 thru ~32:15 - to hear Peter's framework and example in the show) Find the smallest place to start and commit to X amount of time, whether it's 30 seconds a minute, 5 minutes, whatever. Keep a written log or journal that you can see somewhere so you know if you achieve that goal or not for the day - with a check mark, or an X, or a highlight, whatever that is. Share your success with someone who genuinely cares about you so. Add a reward to keep you moving forward. Quotes/quips: "Luck only happens when preparation meets opportunity." "I believe in luck and what I've learned is the harder I work, the luckier I get." "I have to say I'm going to do as well as I can today and feel as good as I can about myself." "The definition of focus is giving your attention to the details while always keeping the big picture in mind." "Mental Strength == knowing the difference in what we have control over and what we don't." Rando Mentions: Ketogenic Diet Big Hairy Audacious Goals Spoons Theory