Here’s a morbid question; how many ideas are buried in your local graveyard? Some of the best ideas, potentially life-changing ideas, die with people. Why? Fear kept them buried inside. Fear convinces us we should never start. It whispers to us, “Who are you to do THIS? What right do you have? Would anyone even care about this?” It paralyzes us into indecision and procrastination.  If you’re waiting for the perfect time or the perfect draft you’ll never start your big idea. 

At Stay Forth we call ourselves “mountain guides for the leadership journey”. We help leaders clarify, prepare for and climb their mountain. Climbing mountains is scary and hard, but it’s worth it! Every climb is just a series of steps. This is why we are always challenging you to “take your next right step”. The first step always seems like the hardest. You have to start somewhere.  

Want to write a book? Sketch your idea, read a book with similar content and commit to write for one hour at the same time every week undistracted. 

Want to host a podcast? Create a plan, buy a mic, listen to three similar podcasts, create a guest list and record five episodes. 

Want to start a non-profit? Read a book on the issue you’re burdened with, interview someone who cares about that issue and research three similar non-profits (and maybe apply to work for them instead of starting yours). 

A few thoughts on steps… 

Starting gives you momentum and momentum gives you hope.

No one writes perfect first drafts. Rough drafts turn into final drafts.

Big things require consistency, and consistency requires habits. 

We admire others final drafts, but we don’t get to see their rough drafts or sacrifices. 

The process teaches you more than the final product. 

How do I move toward my goals?

1. Learn from others, but don’t compare. Learning from others is crucial.  

2. Share your dreams out loud (in person and online) to get accountability.

3. Find others to work with as partners.

4. Get a leadership coach to help hone your mindset and clarify your next steps.  

Resources to consult

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is the best book I’ve ever read on mindset. He calls distractions to our goals and dreams “resistance”. Let me assure you resistance is everywhere! Name it so you came tame it.   

Questions to ask

What large goal are you stuck on before you’ve even started? 

Why does that goal matter?

What 3 small steps could you take toward that goal?

What partners do you need on the journey with you?