Don't Exhaust Yourself Reaching the Door of Start

We’ve all been there. You have this brilliant idea, this burning desire to achieve something, and you pour every ounce of your energy into preparing for it. You plan, you research, you strategize, you envision every possible outcome. You read all the books, listen to all the podcasts, and talk to everyone who’s ever even thought about doing what you’re about to do. You’re so focused on making sure every single detail is perfect before you even take that first step, that you end up completely depleted before you ever reach the “door of start.”

And then, what happens? You’re too tired to walk through it.

This is a common trap many of us fall into. We confuse preparation with progress, and we forget that the most important part of any journey is, well, the journey itself. We spend so much time gathering supplies for the expedition that we run out of steam before we even leave base camp.

Think of it like this: if you’re going on a hike, you need to pack water, snacks, a map, maybe some first aid. But if you spend three days meticulously organizing every single item in your backpack, weighing each individual peanut, and then drawing elaborate schematics of your route, you’re going to be exhausted before you even hit the trailhead. The goal isn’t to have the most perfectly packed backpack; the goal is to enjoy the hike and reach the summit.

The same principle applies to our ambitions. Whether it’s starting a new business, learning a new skill, writing a book, or embarking on a fitness journey, the initial excitement and momentum can quickly dissipate if we get bogged down in endless preparation.

“The expert in anything was once a beginner.”

This powerful quote reminds us that everyone, no matter how skilled or accomplished, started somewhere. They didn’t start with perfect knowledge, a flawless plan, or an unblemished track record. They started, and then they learned, adapted, and grew along the way.

Of course, preparation is important. A certain amount of planning is essential for any undertaking. You wouldn’t jump out of a plane without a parachute, after all. But there’s a fine line between adequate preparation and self-sabotaging over-preparation. The key is to find that sweet spot where you have enough information and resources to begin confidently, but not so much that you’ve drained all your energy before you’ve even truly begun.

So, how do we avoid this pitfall?

• Embrace imperfection: Your first step doesn’t have to be perfect. Your first draft will be messy. Your first attempt at anything will likely have flaws. That’s okay! It’s part of the learning process.
• Set a starting deadline: Give yourself a firm date to launch, to publish, to begin. This creates a healthy pressure to move from planning to action.
• Prioritize action over endless research: Once you have a basic understanding, start. You’ll learn more by doing than by perpetually consuming information.
• Break it down: If the “door of start” seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. What’s the absolute smallest action you can take today to get closer to your goal?
• Conserve your energy for the marathon, not just the sprint: The beginning is just that – the beginning. You’ll need sustained energy for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Don’t let the quest for the perfect beginning prevent you from ever truly starting. Take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and step through that door. The real adventure, and the real growth, begins on the other side.