Stop Dreaming, Start Doing
The toughest part of having a dream is getting started.
Actually, there are lots of tough parts! But the one I felt acutely myself this week was taking the first step.
I have big aspirations for Life Design School – for who I want to serve, what I want to create, how I want to grow.
And I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about it.
Planning. Strategizing. Questioning. Writing. Thinking. Thinking. Thinking.
This week, it hit me that I have to stop thinking, and start doing.
I teach this in workshops often – the dance, the interplay, between planning and action. Between dreaming and doing. And even I still get caught up in the cycle!
Like a package delivered to my doorstep, it dawned on me this week that I need to get going.
Not because I feel ready (this is important)! But because taking action will actually help me learn.
Learn what works, and what doesn’t. Learn what I like and what I don’t. Learn if this is the direction I want to head in.
Taking action also helps us build confidence.
Confidence that we can be brave and go after our dreams. Confidence that we can withstand the uncertainty of not knowing how it’ll all work out. Confidence that we can follow through on our plans, and that we can trust ourselves along the way.
And, importantly, taking action is what actually makes our dreams come true. No amount of thinking on its own is actually going to get you that new job, earn you more money, book that TEDx talk, or meet your dream partner.
So this week I took action! And now it’s your turn…
Try This Out
When I’m facing taking the first step – and I’m feeling unsure or afraid of how to get started – I always ask myself this question:
What is the smallest, fastest, cheapest thing I could do to learn the most?
Let’s say your dream is to open a pastry shop. Instead of plunking down your life savings and buying a commercial building… and instead of just dreaming about it, but never doing anything…
Ask yourself: what’s the smallest, fastest, cheapest thing I could do right now to learn the most?
Suddenly, there are lots of small steps in front of you:
Pick a recipe out of your favorite cookbook and practice it
Stroll through your downtown and sample pastries for inspiration
Ask a local shop owner for coffee and learn more about their path
These small steps may feel inconsequential, but I assure you: they’re not. Each one helps you learn more about your dream, which leads you to more informed decision-making. Each helps you build confidence in yourself and your plans. And, most importantly, each one represents a step forward – a real, tangible, measurable step toward your dream.
So that you’re not just thinking about it. You’re making it happen.
What’s the dream you’re holding for yourself? And what’s the smallest, fastest, cheapest step you could take right now?
What To Do Next
This week I actually took two big steps forward for Life Design School, and I’m excited to share them with you!
Life Design School is on Etsy!
This is something I’ve been thinking about for a while – and this week, I made it happen! Check out the shop and if you’ve ever been curious about The Little Deck of Sweet Reflections or the 100 Days of Designing My Life journal collection, now’s a great time to try them out!
Life Design Workshops are LIVE!
It’s been my dream to create workshops for teams and communities using my life design methods and resources… So this week, I made it happen!
If you’re leading a team, gathering your community, or looking for a creative, unique session for your event, I’d love to talk. Have a look and get in touch if they spark some ideas for you.
What action will you take to move one step closer to your dream?
Onward,
