Just Start

To Do Lists are so helpful.  And often, they include things we just don't want to do.  It's so very rewarding to be able to accomplish a goal and eliminate an item.  But sometimes, just noting progress toward a challenging item is liberating.  Getting started is frequently the most difficult step for a project that we don't want to do.

Setting a timer works well for me.  I often choose 15 minutes because it is such a doable time frame. Happily, I'm often so motivated by the start, and the option to quit, that I do far more than anticipated.  

Starting is the first step toward achievement!

10 Things I Wish I'd Known at Age 22

1. What I did in college only got me the chance to compete in business. (I'm starting over!)
2. Now that I've been recruited and hired, I must prove myself again (and again and again..).
3. Polite, genteel manners are important.  Make others feel special.
4. Know the basics - BMW - Bread (left) Meat (Middle) Water (and other beverages - Right)
5. "Yes mam" and "No sir" are terms of respect for our parents and grandparents and their friends.  We risk making our older co-workers feel old when we address them formally.
6. Dress for the position you want to command.
7. Asking for advice is not seen as a weakness, but as a sign of interest.
8. Volunteering benefits the community and extends my network.
9. Hierarchy does not necessarily equate to intellect. A good idea can come from anyone.
10. Everyone I know and meet is a potential friend, client, prospect or referral source.

Baby Steps

Anyone who's had the good fortune of watching a child learn to walk knows the significance of baby steps.  The process is incremental and deliberate.  The first steps are shaky and uncertain.  However, the progression beyond the first steps is remarkably quick.  As adults we are often so eager to complete a project that we forget the importance of the baby steps required to launch.  Until we take the first difficult step, we'll never be up and running at full speed.