why is it so hard to start something new?
Starting something new is tough, especially when you know you’re not ready.
But will you ever be perfectly ready?
Today I want to talk about the pain of starting.
Starting something new is tough, and there are always reasons to avoid it. After all, you should really start on Monday, or Jan 1.
Heck, just this week I’ve struggled with starting a new workout routine (orange theory), making progress on my new book, and sending this email.
But will we ever be perfectly ready to start anything?
In October 2012, I toed the line of IRONMAN Hawaii in Kona, a long-time dream. That summer’s training had been rough: too sick, too busy, you get the picture. On a related note, that’s the year I taught myself to nap in a parked car.
Still, missing Kona was not an option: tickets were booked, house on Ali’i was rented, and my family was set to make the trip.
So I started anyway. I should have felt happy, but instead I felt trapped and worried I wouldn’t finish.
I did make it to the finish line that day, but I felt like a failure since I didn’t have the “perfect” race.
It was only with years of distance I realized my only failure was creating a completely arbitrary measuring stick. And that fear of missing my mark nearly kept me from starting at all.
What about you? What’s holding you back from starting your thing?
Check out resources to give you a push below!
For Athletes
Coaching new runners for a dozen years I hear lots of repeat questions. And every Tuesday I’m sharing them as training tips.
- Here are four mistakes I see new runners making over and over.[Don’t worry, I made all these when I was new, too!] you can see the whole list at top 11 questions asked by new runners.
- And here are some thoughts on how to start running at age 40, 50, or beyond. Spoiler alert: the steps are pretty much the same as for the younguns!
- Finally you’re an aspiring triathlete, be sure to grab my ultimate guide to tri, Courage to Tri.
For Writers
Are you thinking of starting a book or new writing project?
- Here are 13 things I wish I knew before writing my first book. I hope they’ll benefit you as well!
- If writer’s block is the thing that’s keeping you from starting, be sure to check out the secret trick to writing when stuck.
What’s keeping you from starting your thing, whatever that happens to be? I’d love to hear if you want to share. If you’re willing, hit reply below!
Want help taking your run to the next level this year? Start by filling out the Energy Lab one on one coaching application or check out the Atlanta Tri Club schedule for group training!
Do you have any top tips to add? Reply in the comments! Also, if you’re a coach or longtime runner, let me know what new-runner FAQs I should add for future posts.
Your roadmap for training: train for your first 5k or sprint tri with Courage to Tri
