Have you ever had an idea so vivid that you can feel the end product and see its impact? One that ignites the flame of inspiration and shocks the system? But then you find yourself overcome with dread as doubt descends and takes the wind out of your sails. Well, you are not alone.
It is okay not to know where to start when beginning something new. But you will need to decide whether you are ready to roll up your sleeves and embark on a journey of discovery, sit it out, or choose option “C,” put the idea on the shelf. If you are ready for the work, it’s important not to overwhelm yourself. I say this as someone who is a planner but a visionary and historically quit projects before they even begin. What I came to understand, and what finally allowed me to become the published author and consultant I wanted to become, was I needed to start where I was. I needed to see my present self; finances, energy, current obligations, and skill sets.
Should I pick up a skill to accomplish what I needed to? Could I delegate the skill to someone else? I would often choose the former, not understanding the work should be left up to the content expert or not accounting for how much energy it would take, often leading to project abandonment. Sometimes, it is appropriate to pick up a skill; however, it could be to an extent where you understand the language of that task item when discussing it with a content expert rather than becoming the expert. And one word I have embraced that I hope you do too is “DELEGATE.” Delegating requires trust; however, if you do it correctly, you will be happy with the energy you conserve and the final product. Why “push through” when someone can help you?
If you are thinking about money and where to find it, this next tip (or reminder) may be for you! Always look for (quality) free resources. For instance, if you want to start a small business, inquire into the Small Business Administration’s satellite sites that provide free assistance to get you up and running. If you are looking for help with other tasks, consider bartering or trading services with someone you know or researching sites that may provide such connections. You will expend energy. However, using a known, preferred skill in exchange for a needed task rather than learning a new one may save you more time in the long run. Don’t sleep on the skills you do have. Work it!
If you have a vision, trust that what you need is there to meet it. Believe it, feel it, and get moving!
Portia Ingram is the Director of Smart Start Suffolk for Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, developing and coordinating early childhood programs. She owns Mind Align Solutions, LLC, a consulting company that creates and runs workshops on holistic planning and life skill development for children and adults. She has also worked and advocated for the disability community for over ten years in various positions ranging from clinician to policy advocate. She continues to share and provide resources to those in the community, working alongside politicians and non-profit organizations around Long Island. She is the author of the workbook The Helpful Planner and the young adult self-help book How To Survive Your 20s.