“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” — Zig Ziglar
Why is it so hard to just start? Taking that first step to a healthy habit can be intimidating. What if I fail? What if I don’t like it? What if I’m not perfect, or able to do it as well as my neighbor/sister/friend? There is no limit to what can go through our head when we set out on a new challenge, and the truth is, everyone confronts difficulty getting started from time to time. So if you’re finding yourself unable to take that initial step, know you’re not alone, and then take inspiration from the following 9 ways to just get started.
Prepare Yourself. Before you even get started, do a small actionable task to get you moving in the right direction. For many, setting out workout clothes the night before helps to get them closer to taking the first step. In addition, put together a “Go Basket” by your door with everything you’ll need to head out for a walk. No longer will you come up with excuses of why you can’t walk. No more lost necessities. No more wasted time.
Define Your Walk. When you’re starting a new habit, it’s often hard to define what your goal should be, so set specific parameters from the get-go. For example, tell yourself you are going to walk around the block. This way, the start and the end is crystal clear.
Set Your Time. When starting an unfamiliar task, setting a time limit allows you to know exactly when you’ll start and finish. Do you have 20 minutes for a walk? Make a plan to walk 10 minutes and then turn around and head back. You just might find that once you get going you’ll want to keep walking beyond that timeframe. Keep in mind, though, that if you’re new to walking, don’t set your initial time too high. Make sure it’s manageable and build from there.
Find a Partner. Having the encouragement from a friend or family member may be all it takes to get you moving. So, make plans to walk with someone, be it in person or via phone.
Remember Your Why. Why did you decide to start walking? Was it for physical or mental health reasons? Were you seeking community and accountability? Maybe it was the bracelets? Or did you buy a cute pair of sneakers that you need to put to good use? Whatever your reason, keep that in your mind and close to your heart to help you take on that first step.
Do it for someone else. So many of us want to stay healthy and active, but it’s our families who we really want to serve. Consider those loved ones in your life who need you to take the time to get moving.
Stop thinking about it. Have you ever found that you’ve thought too much about a task — starting out gung-ho and ready to go and eventually find that you’ve talked yourself out of it? It’s time to stop thinking and start doing.
Celebrate every win. We’re all about celebrating, so take a moment to honor even the smallest achievements. One small step is still a step, especially if it’s your first. So, don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back to making it one step further than you did the day before.
Show empathy for yourself. It’s so much easier to empathize with others than it is to empathize with ourselves. So often we beat ourselves up because we should have done better. We set ourselves to a higher standard. But it’s time to turn the tables and reflect on where you are and how far you have come despite the obstacles you have faced.
Getting started is not easy. It takes courage and often comes with fear. But getting started can be followed by so much reward. Be gentle with yourself, but know how much that first step is going to lead you to health and well-being, and most importantly, that feeling of knowing you can do anything to which you set your mind.
At the end of the day … just start.
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