Getting Started
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
We often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to have everything figured out before we get started. I know I did this in many stages in my life. I wanted to be in the best financial position possible before I was ready to get married. I wanted to read all the parenting books before I was ready to be a dad. I wanted to make sure I had a perfect business plan before I launched my business. I wanted to have every piece of necessary software, before I started working with clients. The list goes on and on.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized a few things. First, there is no “perfect” time to start. The longer you wait, the more intimidating it may become. Second, I just need to take the first step and make adjustments as well as improvements as I go.
Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis. It's better to take that first step towards your goals than to wait for the perfect moment. Start now, even if it's a small step, and you'll be closer to where you want to be. Remember to track your progress and make changes as needed to stay on track.
This is often the case in financial planning. Carl Richards, a financial industry expert, would remind you that “goals are just guesses”. Financial planners don’t have a crystal ball. There’s no way for any of us to predict what is going to happen a year from now, let alone 30 years from now.
A financial plan is a good start, but advisors need to be able to make course corrections when there’s a storm up ahead. And more importantly, we need to make sure our clients stay the course when we hit pockets of turbulence throughout the trip.
Just like when I am helping my clients, I’ve embraced a more flexible and iterative approach to problem-solving and personal growth. The realization that perfection isn’t a prerequisite for progress is a valuable insight. As the saying goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” By defining the problem, identifying a few next steps, and being open to regular reassessment, you’re setting yourself up for continuous learning and improvement.
It’s okay not to have all the answers from the start. Each step forward is an opportunity to gain new insights and refine your approach.
Visual Credit: Liz Fosslien
Action Items
Overcoming the belief that one needs a perfect map of the future to get started is about embracing uncertainty and recognizing the value of adaptability. Here are some strategies to help shift this mindset:
Embrace Uncertainty: Accept that the future is inherently unpredictable. Instead of seeking a perfect plan, focus on being adaptable and responsive to changes as they come.
Start Small: Begin with small steps that don’t require a complete roadmap. This allows you to make progress and build momentum without the pressure of having everything figured out.
Set Flexible Goals: Create goals that are clear but not rigid. Allow room for adjustments and be open to new opportunities that may arise along the way.
Focus on Learning: Prioritize gaining knowledge and experience over sticking to a strict plan. Each new piece of information can help you navigate the future more effectively.
Develop a Growth Mindset: Cultivate a mindset that values growth and learning over perfection. This perspective encourages you to view challenges as opportunities to improve.
Reflect on Past Successes: Remind yourself of times when you succeeded without a perfect plan. This can boost your confidence in your ability to handle uncertainty.
Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay present and reduce anxiety about the future. This can make it easier to take action without overthinking.
Seek Support: Talk to mentors or peers who have successfully navigated similar paths. Their insights can provide guidance and reassurance.
Plan for Contingencies: While you don’t need a perfect plan, having a basic strategy with some backup options can provide a safety net and reduce the fear of the unknown.
Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate each step you take, no matter how small. This reinforces the idea that action, not perfection, leads to success.
Remember, the most important map is the one you create along the journey, not before it begins. Trust in your ability to learn and adapt, and you’ll find that you can navigate the future with confidence.
~Alex
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