Start Strong: How to Begin When You Aren't Sure Where to Begin
Let’s face it: starting something new can be really, really tough. Even if it’s a “minor change” like a lateral movement in our career or a new personal health goal, we start to shake when the rubber hits the road.
It doesn’t have to be that way. As creators of dozens of leadership coaching programs, we’ve seen enough to know that there are some tips and tricks to starting strong even when you’re not sure where to begin.
January is the time of new starts, of fresh beginnings, and we’re here with you.
Read on for the inside scoop!
Know Your WHY
This is so important. Do not skip this step. Your “why” is not only the best place to begin every brave journey but it’s also a secret space to store courage along the way. Your “why” is the framework for change, for adventure, for your transition; it’s the reason you can't stay silent. It’s the drive when you want to give up; it’s the higher purpose that keeps you moving.
Make sure that you’ve taken the time to understand exactly what your “why” is and keep that understanding front and center as you take each step forward.
If you aren’t 100% clear on your why, we encourage you to consider our Nova Mastermind Series. In this 6-week group intensive, we offer real time support, leveraging our Inquiry and Insights process to help you gain clarity. The Mastermind will help you with the following (and more!):
Get clear on your vision and priorities
Tackle challenges
Weather change and navigate uncertainty
Take action on what’s most meaningful to you right now
Given our decades of F500 leadership and executive coaching, Kathleen and Lisa offer practical guidance bounded in theory, creativity, and community. We’ve seen the power of individual and collective wisdom emerge in 2021 Masterminds.
Our End of Year Reflections Workbook can help you identify your “why” with thoughtful questions and journal prompts. This workbook will give you the tools necessary to begin 2022 with a clear and courageous heart and mind, focused on living out your truth and power. Download the workbook right here!
Be Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
It’s true - it’s often unavoidable: fear is real. However, many times the objects of our fear are NOT real. Our creative minds and quick brains can generate all kinds of challenges - whether or not they’re plausible.
Mark Twain once said, “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.” Sound familiar?
The key to managing fear is becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable. There’s research that has shown that, when controlled, fear or anxiety is part of what drives success. Worry could lead to taking the time to research potential obstacles, then make educated predictions, and take necessary steps to prepare for many different outcomes. How powerful is that approach?
Acknowledge what’s causing you to sweat or stall on taking your first step. Talk with known experts about your concerns; find out if there’s any validity to them. Brainstorm and collaborate with a coach or trusted colleagues, friends or advisors on solutions to the real challenges these worries uncover. Let your fear fuel you, not hold you back.
Ask For Help
What we know to be true is that leaders who have support thrive. Even though it may feel lonely at times, don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re all alone in your journey. We’re all on the path of exploration. Together we’re much more powerful than we are alone.
This year, take the leap to join us on one of our executive development retreats. Through guided exercises and facilitated discussion, Nova Leadership helps leaders tap into hopes, dreams, and intentions to get clarity on what matters most. What you truly need. Now, in this moment. Each retreat is small, interactive and designed to provide support, tools, challenge and the space for deep transformation.
We know that deep insight and inspiration comes when leaders take the time to go deep; to get out of their usual environment, and to work in the company of other thought partners.
Like so many of you, we’re reevaluating how we work. We’ve redesigned our signature Immersion Retreats and details coming soon for our October 2022 destination retreat in Tuscany, Italy! Join us - it won’t be the same without you.
Let Time Be Your Friend
Last but not least, our final tip is also a practical one. We want to encourage you to take concrete steps – even small ones – in the direction of your dreams. One of the best ways to do that is by leveraging your time.
Small steps can make a big difference.
Get out your planner, your laptop or your phone – whichever you prefer to use for scheduling, and start creating some daily/weekly/monthly structures. Being planful will ensure time well-spent. For example:
Schedule regular “work hours” for specific tasks that support your biggest priorities.
Use a timer and start small; begin with 15 minutes of focused work 5 days a week. After two weeks, bump it up to 30 minutes for 5 days a week. Keep increasing your time until you’re satisfied with your daily level.
Allow yourself to work in “bursts”: focus for 45-60-90 minutes, then take a 5-15 minute break. Working for hours on end, especially on creative projects, can be counter-productive.
Don’t let distractions interfere with your progress. Turn your phone off - or at least face down - when you need to do focused work.
Set deadlines for yourself - and keep them. Each time you hit a milestone, give yourself small rewards on the way to your bigger goals.
Boundaries like time and dedicated space can be our biggest ally in achieving our dreams.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you start strong this year!