The First Rule Of Beginning

Make it time bound.

If you're starting out on learning a new skill or experimenting in unfamiliar territory, by definition, you lack technical abilities.

So, if we’re being real, you’re not good at it.

And, that can be discouraging.

The common mistake: Approaching new skill acquisition with an arbitrary event-based mindset.

Like: "Today, I will practice this song until I can play it."

Or: "I'll work until I have this entire business plan done."

You're increasing the likelihood of frustration because you've established unreasonable and vague expectations.

This is usually why you end up quitting the guitar or abandoning your business idea.

The Strategy: Create (and honor) a time-bound approach.

For example: "Today, I will practice the first 10 seconds of this song for 10 minutes."

Or: "Journal for 5 minutes and put the pen down, close the book."

Or: "Go to the gym and exercise for 5 min and leave."

If it sounds small, good. Start small.

What you've done is create c the first link in the chain.

The size of each link is equal - it's the number of links you connect that will impact the length of the chain.

When You Experience Resistance:

When I start something new, I remind myself that I'm not skilled in this space.

Therefore, I will be clumsy, I will experience difficulty.

This is what's supposed to happen.

And then I get a rush of excitement, because the discomfort provides me with evidence that I'm in an uncomfortable place that will not change, but I will.

Match the courage required to begin something new with understanding and kindness.

Conversations I Overheard:

Maintain sanity while living among information overload.

Song I’m Bumping:

Let someone know you’re thinking about them and share this.

Show your love. Subscribe.

Get full access to ProducerHead at producerhead.substack.com/subscribe