I’ve got a confession. I’m terrible at finishing things. This is the third time I’ve started this newsletter! I bet you also have a long list of unfinished projects and ideas.
Too often the stories of success, accomplishment, and a life of purpose look like easy, well-planned journeys. Don’t believe the filtered photos on social media. I’m going to share what I’ve learned about starting, stopping and finishing.
Navigating toward your destination
When we’re doing something we’ve never done before, remember it’s not going to be a straight path. It’s going to be more like navigating the ocean at night by the stars.
To chart your destination, consider what you want your life to be like three years from now. What would be happening to signal that you had reached your goal? Be general in your answers; you’re working on the big picture at this point.
Leave port
Knowing where you want to go, it’s time to start by taking the next best action. Which means doing a specific, small activity you believe is going to lead you toward your destination. Ideally, this will be something that we take less than a week to complete and will involve just a few tasks.
Becalmed
When there is no wind, no forward motion, sailors call it “becalmed.” For me, I lose my momentum right after the novelty of an idea or project fades. After years of experiencing this and beating myself up for stalling, I’ve learned when to expect this phenomenon to hit.
Instead of just sitting in the water going nowhere, I now reconnect to why I chose my destination. Remembering “why” fills my sails with wind to get going again.
Compass
In addition to knowing I’ll lose my wind at some point, I’ve developed the habit of using a compass – a tool for guiding me where I want to go.
The best device I’ve found is a framework. A brief outline guides my work. In the case of living a live of purpose, your compass looks something like this:
- What’s my destination/goal?
- Why is reaching it essential to me?
- What’s the next action that will keep me gliding toward my destination?
- List the action steps.
- Spend 15 minutes getting started. When the timer goes off, consider spending another 15 minutes working.
- Celebrate what you accomplished, no matter how big or small.
- Schedule your next work session.
Remember, as John A. Shedd said: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”
Live a Bold & Authentic Life
Matt
