Day 1 – Five steps towards getting started on anything

1. Have realistic expectations. The strange thing about day 1, or the beginning of a new activity is that we often expect ourselves to perform like experts and get frustrated when we do not. Being day 1, you should expect to perform like a beginner. Set the bar at an achievable level. In fact, set it so low that you cannot possibly fail. That’s right, set yourself up for success. If we’re talking about a new exercise routine – 10 crunches, that’s it. You probably won’t even break a sweat but that’s enough for day 1. Making cold calls for the first time? Dial up 3 new people. You can raise the bar as you go but first you’ve got to get in motion.

2. Judge yourself based on specific criteria. Did I complete the realistic numbers I set out to complete? Completely delay judgment on qualitative issues. This step is all about killing your inner critic. If you’re anything like me that critic won’t shut up between day 0 and day 1, or the next few repetitions for that matter. Just give yourself a break and only judge the tangible, easy to see portion of the task. Did I do it? Delay judgment on higher level issues for at least 30 days / repetitions.

• What are you committing to doing?
• Why is this important to you? Be real, you’re the only one who’s reading it so lay it on the line.
• When will you do it?
• How will you know it’s done?
• When will you evaluate success?
• What does success look like?

Look back at what your wrote, does it pass steps 1 & 2? Is it realistic? Do you have specific criteria?

4. Schedule it. ‘Just Do It’ is only an old Nike slogan – it’s not life changing advice. Put this new activity on your calendar, set the recurring event. Commit to doing it as scheduled. I personally prefer daily tasks but you can schedule time for something on a weekly or monthly basis – just keep in mind, it’ll take you much longer to hit the habit-forming 30 repetition mark.