We all have something we’ve been thinking about starting.
A project. A new habit. Maybe even a dream we’ve carried around for a while.
And yet… we don’t start.
There’s always a reason — the timing isn’t right, we’re not ready, we need a better plan. But here’s the truth: the hardest part is simply getting moving. Once you start, everything else gets easier.
So let’s talk about five ways you can get started today.
1. Shorten the Fuse
Think about those old cartoons or westerns where someone lights a stick of dynamite. If the fuse is long, there’s plenty of time to hesitate or run away.
But when the fuse is short, there’s no time to wait — you’ve got to move.
That’s the idea here. Shorten your fuse.
Set an early goal that forces you into motion. Give yourself a short deadline, even if it’s just for one small step.
When you light a short fuse, you’ll feel the urgency to act instead of waiting for the “perfect” time.
2. Break It Down
Sometimes the reason we don’t start is that the goal looks too big. When something feels overwhelming, we freeze.
The way forward is to break it down into smaller pieces.
Ask yourself, What’s one thing I can do today that moves me in the right direction?
It doesn’t have to be complicated. One small action today gets you closer to where you want to go tomorrow.
3. Take Action Before You Sleep
Here’s a habit that can change everything: don’t go to bed until you’ve taken one action toward your goal.
When you make that commitment, even for the smallest action, you create movement. Do something — send the email, make the call, write one sentence. Then do it again tomorrow. And the day after that.
That’s how momentum builds — one small action at a time.
4. Stop Planning
Planning has its place. But at some point, more planning becomes an excuse for not doing. We convince ourselves that we’re being productive — when really, we’re just delaying.
Once you know enough to begin, begin.
You can adjust as you go, but progress only happens once you start moving.
5. Phone a Friend
Getting started doesn’t have to be a solo effort.
Find a friend, mentor, or colleague who can help you move forward. Ask them to hold you accountable, or simply to listen and encourage you.
We’re better together. Sometimes a quick conversation gives you the spark you’ve been missing.
If you want to get more done, you have to start.
Shorten the time between idea and action.
That’s where progress begins — not in more thinking or planning, but in taking the first small step.
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