How to Get Started Before You Feel Ready
Updated: Apr 21, 2022
Today we’re talking about courage and how we can find the strength and the mindset to take the necessary steps to put our dreams into action.
Have you ever seen the movie “We Bought a Zoo?” starring Matt Damon and Scarlet Johansen?
It’s a movie that came out a few years ago, and it’s loosely based on the true story of a Benjamin Mee who owns Dartmoor Zoological Park in Devon, England.
After Benjamin lost his wife to cancer, he and his kids made the bold move to purchase a defunct zoo and turn it into a booming business.
It’s a great story, but there’s one line in particular in the movie that has always stayed with me. Maybe you remember it too.
In the movie, Benjamin is speaking to his son when he says, “"You know, sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just, literally, 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it."
I love that thought, don’t you?
I’ve spoken to so many women over the years who have told me they had carried an idea or a dream with them for years, and sometimes even decades. And what they found was that all it took was about 20 seconds of courage to send an email or make a phone call or reach out for an opportunity that was right in front of them. And once they did, the journey began and each step became clearer as their story unfolded.
So, knowing that so many of us struggle to take that first step and leave our cozy comfort zone, I’ve created a list of 3 strategies to help you take action starting TODAY!
1. Remember your purpose.
Back in Episode 6 of the Power Your Platform Podcast, we talked about the fact that we all need a rebel cry if we’re going to make an impact in the world. And actually one of the books that helped me develop my own rebel cry was The 3-Word Rebellion by Dr. Michelle Mazur.
Having a rebel cry is all about knowing and understanding your purpose and then declaring it to the world. Because once you do, you realize that not taking action isn’t an option. Somewhere, someone is waiting to hear your story and your solution as well as the life lessons you’ve learned along the way.
2. Just focus on the NEXT step, rather than the whole journey.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed when you imagine where the path might lead, just remember you’re not going to move from zero to 60 in a single day. In fact, it could take several weeks or even months.
But if you don’t take the first step today, then you’ll be in exactly the same spot a year from now. And if you were to find yourself in the same circumstances one year from today, would you be OK with that?
3. Surround yourself with other action takers.
When we spend time with others who are facing similar challenges, it helps us feel less alone. As well, when we’re collaborating, we’re not competing. We share our resources and cheer each other on.
You’ve no doubt heard the saying that “A rising tide lifts all the boats.” Well, that’s just the way community works. I’ve seen it over and over again with my own eyes. And it is truly a beautiful thing. It’s also one of the best reasons I can think of for becoming a part of a community of action takers.