Are you are finding it tough to get started on something and you are feeling down on yourself because of it?

It can sometimes feel like everyone else has it together and you are the only pathetic one struggling. If this is you, consider these two points:

1. Just do something. Anything. Even something tiny, to move forward. As James Clear says in his article about setting up ‘pregame’ routines to ease into action: ‘you’ll find that motivation often comes after starting’. His argument being that if you have a beginning routine that is so effortless you can’t say no to it, you’ll do it and then your brain will get itself in the zone to keep going. It can help to remember that most of the effort goes into getting started, once you are moving, keeping moving is not so hard.
2. As Barbara Sher explains in her book I could do anything if only I knew what it was, ‘Action will raise your self-esteem better than affirmations. Action helps you think, improves your self-image, invites good luck and sharpens your instincts.’ So taking action will help you to feel more positive about everything, including yourself. And good self-esteem makes it easier to have a go next time.

Getting started is the hardest part, so pick something tiny to get started with. Then, momentum, and the motivation that kicks in with it, will help you keep going. And this momentum, this movement, this achievement, will help you to feel good about yourself, which in turn also makes it easier to keep going.