3 lessons I’ve learnt about how to move from thinking to doing

Picture of gum trees from below. The sun is shining through the leaves and branches. Text on the picture saysSmall steps to big goals. Imagine the end result and attack one step at a time.

How many times have you made the decision to start something new: write an abstract, start a new project, join a group or committee, start a blog, apply for a job, and then, nothing happens? It’s easy to convince yourself that the timing wasn’t right, or that it was too hard or you aren’t ready (hot tip: you’ll never be ready), we’ve all done that. When I’m stuck in that “I want to start but am caught in the headlights” position, I remind myself of these three points to force myself into action.

You will make mistakes

I’ve made a lot of mistakes, so have you. Lots and lots of mistakes. Each mistake has been an opportunity for reflection and to figure out how to fix it next time. Obviously I’ve ignored the opportunity to reflect sometimes, wallowed in my mistake and never tried again. Hasn’t everyone?

When you can recognise the learning opportunity that comes with mistakes, then you’re on to something. Find how to fix the mistake, document the process, tell someone you stuffed up and explain how you’ll do it better next time. If I had given up the first time I stuffed something up, well there would be no Turbitt in Turbitt & Duck. And probably no library degree hanging on my wall or…well you get the picture. We all make mistakes. Dare to be bad. And then keep going.

There is no gatekeeper, there is no gate.

You will never be ready

This has been written so many times before by many other people. You will never be ready. So you may as well take the first step, get started and make some mistakes. Apply for that job, ask someone to help you rewrite your resume, start that research, return to study, ask for a secondment, learn how to paint, start that zine, write the abstract.

There will never be the right time for any of these things so you may as well start now.

The starting is the hard bit for lots of people, particularly if you’re partial to procrastination and perfectionism. To you I say, the first version is going to be a bit shit, so you may as well get it out of your system.

You Aren’t Lazy – You’re Just Terrified: On Paralysis and Perfectionism.

Everything you need is within your reach

If you are starting a new project, wanting to know more about yourself, looking at a new field of study or research, wanting to find a buddy to start a podcast with, thinking about writing a conference abstract, everything you need is out there waiting for you.

And if you have a library qualification, you are more than capable of finding what you need to get started.

Reach out, ask for help, connect with people. Don’t be an island. Isolation is the dream killer so be loud and proud about what you’re doing. Turbitt & Duck came about because Amy and I shared our dreams and ideas with each other. I’ve wanted to start a podcast for a long time, but it took opening up to Amy who understood what I was rambling about to make it happen.

Sharing your plans, dreams or project may also give you the accountability that you need to keep going. If you’re worried about getting it “right”, refer to points 1 and 2. Take small steps if you need to, but just start.

Isolation is the dream killer.

What’s one thing you can do right now, one small step, that will start you moving towards your goal?

5 thoughts on “3 lessons I’ve learnt about how to move from thinking to doing”

  1. Dear Sally,

    Thanks so much for posting! I had already realised the “never ready” point, but needed a reminder about making mistakes and already having everything I need. You’ve encouraged me to try some more new things, like volunteering for a project that extends beyond my contract (just in case!).

    Thanks again (and please post more!),

    RuthC

    1. Thank you Ruth, I’m so happy this struck a chord with you! And I will write more, even if if I’m not ready!

  2. Isolation is the dream killer. Yep. Totally agree! Refer to Steps 1 and 2. Love it .. thanks for the reminder xx

  3. Thanks Sally! I just read “There Is No Gatekeeper”. You know what’s holding me back? Commitment. I don’t have a proven track record for sticking with a project for a long time. You don’t want to know how many inactive WordPress blogs I have. LOL. Maybe I’m scared to add another project to the pile of “I don’t want to do that anymore”. But I have ideas. So many ideas!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this: