Focus on the Starting Line (Not the Finish Line)
Rather than focusing on finishing a goal, we are much better served when we focus on just getting started. Once you’ve begun moving, the momentum and routine will carry you quite far. Thus, do what you can to optimize the starting line and make it as easy as possible to just get going.
This was one of the points James Clear made during his session at the Craft + Commerce conference, and I love the way he framed it.
He shared that in the beginning, what matters most is getting going and doing the repetition – focus on quantity rather than quality.
As F.M. Alexander said, “we do not decide our futures, we decide our habits. And our habits decide our futures.”
Which means that every time you do a habit / routine you are moving forward toward the goal / outcome you want. It’s the small and regular steps that matter most. Thus you have to make it as easy as possible to start, because it’s in the doing that you are moving toward your goal.
Therefore, optimize for the starting line rather than the finish line.
Focus on getting started not finishing. Once you’ve gotten started, momentum will carry you further than you think.
If you spend all your energy focusing on what it will look like to finish, you may never even get started in the first place.
One of the best ways to optimize the starting line is through routine. Make it as easy as possible to just get started. This is the premise of my 5-minute rule, and it’s why I (still) leave a note out for myself.
But it’s important not to confuse strategy with vision.
Don’t just build habits…
Build habits you’re proud of. Habits that move you in the direction of your personal vision and values.
I’ve got an upcoming workshop on this topic, and in it I’ll be sharing some of my own lifestyle practices. I’ll be sharing four of the habits that move me forward toward my own goals and outcomes. And what I do to help optimize my chances of getting started.
The Fundamentals of Focus
On August 2, I’m hosting a free, live workshop. You should check it out.
At This Free Workshop, You’ll Discover…
- Why most people struggle to balance all the areas of their life.
- The framework I use to keep my work and life in balance.
- The biggest productivity misunderstanding out there.
- How to ensure your habits and routines are moving you in the right direction.
These are all the foundational ideas lifted right from my flagship product, The Focus Course.
What: A one-hour workshop (hosted online)
When: Wednesday August 2, at 2pm Eastern
If you can’t make it live, no problem! We will be recording this workshop and making a replay available. So even if you can’t make it to the live event, you should still RSVP below and we’ll send you the replay video for you to watch on your own time.
RSVP to the Workshop here…