On Beginning
There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of starting something new. Whether it’s a new project, new business, new baby, or new home we all know that feeling of embarking on a journey, holding promise in one hand and uncertainty in the other. With all that could go wrong, why is it that we begin anything at all? I believe we begin because we are creators, and it is human nature to create, whether it be work, a family or an experience. This is certainly true of me as a writer, and although it can be scary to take the first step on a new adventure, I find the reward is always worth the risk.
Beginning possesses a certain delight, one of possibility and wonder. When starting out, the myriad choices lay before us and we explore with curiosity what each choice could bring. As we make decision upon decision, the options narrow, and we gain a sense of direction that gives us purpose. I have certainly experienced this direction myself as I have started this business, and although the narrowing of focus could feel restricting, I find myself in awe of all the creative ways I get to express my strengths when they are focused in one direction. In fact, focus seems to expand creativity rather than contract it. It induces a flow state that allows us to create freely and feel an immense sense of accomplishment.
In the early days of beginning something new, we are open, listening, receptive to ideas and perspectives that may fuel our journey. Being someone who possesses a high level of openness, I feel free and enthusiastic in the beginning stages of a project. I can imagine, however, that for someone who is less open, it could feel daunting to have all these possibilities and questions to be answered. What looks like play to me may very well look like torture to someone else. So how can we embrace the paradox of creating something from nothing?
As my favorite poet, Rumi, wrote, “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” The key here is trust. Whether you are open like me or prefer more structure, there is a requisite level of trust in order to begin anything. We must trust that the very act of beginning is a creative act. Each step holds within it the next step, but we must trust in order to start moving. Whether you trust in a higher creative power or in your own inner knowing, that trust is what will fuel each consecutive stage of creation. There have been numerous instances in my own life when I did not see the way ahead of me, but I took a step anyway, and the way appeared. It has felt nothing short of miraculous each and every time.
Yet, what can we do when that first step feels too hard, beyond us, or even impossible? Below are a few tools I use when I feel stuck in inertia and want to get unstuck.
Identify your “why”: This one is more like a prep for the step to ensure you have the genuine desire needed to take action. Ask yourself questions like, “why do I want to begin this? What’s in it for me? How will I feel after taking this first step?” These can all nudge you in the direction of identifying your big “why,” the reason you even thought of this idea in the first place. Once you consciously know why you’re beginning the new thing, you’ll find that the universe conspires to move you towards that first step.
Make a micromovement: This idea is borrowed from SARK, one of my favorite creative writers. A micromovement is anything that takes less 5 seconds to 5 minutes to do and that ever-so-slightly moves you towards your goal. Instead of “write the first chapter of my book,” think, “sit down with my laptop and think about my book.” The goal is to make it something so easy, so simple, that your brain will say, “oh, I’ve got this.” It often snowballs, and you find yourself doing the bigger, longer task you needed to do because the micromovement breaks the inertia and your excitement takes over. If you like this concept and it works for you, I encourage you to check out SARK’s book, Make Your Creative Dreams Real, where she has a whole chapter on micromovements with a lot more details and tips.
Text an accountability partner: Think of a friend or family member who is good at holding boundaries and is supportive of you and text them. Tell them you are going to do X, and ask them to check in with you on X tomorrow to see how it went. We are social creatures, and even when our work is solo, it helps tremendously to have a partner who holds us accountable. Plus, the people who truly care about you and support you want to help!
However we get started, the miracle of beginning something new and experiencing delight, freedom and trust in the process, is no small thing. It is life in action. Through creating, we are living, expressing, and giving of ourselves. I believe it is the greatest gift we can give. As we are shopping for or preparing holiday gifts this season, perhaps we can deepen our perspective by asking, what is this gift beginning for the receiver? An experience, a connection, a joy?
At the end of a year, there are chapters closing, stories wrapping up and endings upon us. Though contradictory, it feels fitting to reflect on what I am beginning. It may be the strategic planner in me, always looking to the future, or the creative spirit, ever-seeking new opportunities to make something new. Every ending provides an opportunity for a new beginning. I feel beyond blessed to be in a place of beginning this new business as a way to share my gifts with each of you.
Tell me: what are you beginning?
