Nothing Happens Until You Actually Start

Careful planning and thoughtful analysis both contribute to your ultimate success. But if you never actually get started you can’t actually ever finish. A lot of people are criticized for not finishing what they start, but I would argue there are many more people who never actually start at all.

Put this in the category of “Things I’ve learned the hard way.” My personality dictates that I visualize a project from start to finish, that I anticipate every challenge, every difficulty, everything that could possibly go wrong before I actually start. A lifetime of on–the–job training has taught me that, for mere mortals, that is an impossible task. I have learned to be as prepared as possible, to exercise diligence and then to actually get started. When I do encounter a problem or an obstacle, I usually figure it out on the fly and it usually not that difficult.

My favorite method of operation I call “Proof of concept”. The purpose of the first one or two, or sometimes even three times I make something new is just to prove my idea will work. I don’t expect it to be perfect the first time. Believe it or not sometimes my idea doesn’t work! Most times my first attempt looks exactly like a first attempt and I’m okay with that. The second one will be better because I learned from my mistakes on the first one. The third one will be better still and may actually be considered a success. This method serves me well in that I have given myself permission to fail at least twice before I have to get serious. Obviously I’m talking about relatively small projects; this method would suck if I were building a house.

If you have been wanting to turn a natural edge bowl, hollow Christmas ornament globe down to 1/8”, make a turned lidded box with hand chased threads, or turn a delicate finial in very expensive African Blackwood, give yourself permission to fail a couple of times with the absolute certainty that you will succeed in the long run. This safety valve takes all the pressure away. So go ahead and get started and have some fun. By the way, this is a great way to teach others without pressure. Because if you never actually get started, you can never actually finish.

I draw strength and encouragement from scriptures like this:

Deuteronomy 28:12 KJV

The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

Because “Wherever you go, there you are.”