My Blog:
The desire to run my own blog began a little less than a year ago. Having always had a great passion for writing and helping other people, the idea of running my own blog seemed like a fantastic investment of my time.
Blogs are becoming an increasingly efficient medium in which once can express their hopes, their desires, their dreams.
What more could I ask for?
My heart was telling me I had to start one. Over the next couple of weeks I literally spent hours upon hours reading up on nearly everything related to blogging. I purchased tens of books and read hundreds of articles online.
I searched for successful blogs in hopes of learning from them. I emailed many successful bloggers asking for their guidance and help (I was surprised to find an amazing amount of encouragement from everyone I emailed.)
I emailed Paul Piotrowski of Inspired Money Maker, informing him of my desire to run a blog. In which he replied:
“ I often hear people say “one day“ when referring to their dreams much like you are saying “My dream job would be to run a website as you, and many others do…” My question to you is why not make that “one day“ today? You are young; you don’t have a lot of responsibilities yet which later on make it harder to get started. For example, a lot of people who finally find their calling in their 30’s or 40’s are typically working in a stable job, are married, have kids to support, a big mortgage to pay, etc. and they use those things as an excuse to get started.”
Upon reflecting on the contents of his email I thought why couldn’t I make one today? Excitement was flowing through my veins. Inspiration enabled me to conjugate hundreds of ideas in my head, yet something was still void. Action. I got so caught up in the concept of having my own blog I failed to initiate the most important element, the blog its self.
I would like to say that after receiving his email, I immediately buckled down and set up my blog but in reality that didn’t happen. Instead a tidal wave of excuses crashed before me, hindering my ability to act. I was to busy with school. Blogs were too technical. No one will read my blog. Weeks passed. Months passed. Nothing.
Then on October 11th, I had enough. I looked the duo of procrastination and excuse straight in the eyes and reminded them who is in control. I finally had my first post “Black Cafe” it only took me a little more than a half a year.
Lessons Learned:
It only took me three quarters of a year, to finally muster up sufficient courage to take the first step. Since then I haven’t looked back. I am currently improving my blog daily and finally able to implement all those ideas that would be worthless had I not taken the first step. My paralysis caused by excuse and procrastination cost me six months development of my blog yet I am ok with that for I instead came a way with a valuable lesson in which I will not soon forget.
Taking The First Step
Learning to take the first step is an invaluable skill to have. Initiating in the first step requires nothing but a little bit of discipline. There will be scores of “legitimate” excuses that are begging to be used. You must override these excuses by consciously refusing them, for their sole purpose is to prevent you from succeeding.
It doesn’t matter whether you want to implement a healthier diet, or begin an improved fitness routine, you must first begin. While thought does have its place, action is first priority. Thought without action produces nothing, while action with little thought results in utter chaos. I
t is essential to find a healthy balance between the two. While taking the first step is easier said then done, the more we practice taking action the easier it will become. You may not be where you want to be, but by taking action you will become that much closer to reaching your destination.
Challenge:
Are you currently waiting for the perfect time to start that long awaited project of yours? Do you find yourself saying, “I will (insert action here) tomorrow”? Are you waiting to live that dream of yours? Tomorrow is and will always be overrated. Take your first step. Why not today?
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
“For example, a lot of people who finally find their calling in their 30’s or 40’s are typically working in a stable job, are married, have kids to support, a big mortgage to pay, etc. and they use those things as an excuse to get started.”
People in our age tend not to realize that we have not much burden on our shoulders yet than do our parents. But we keep complaining about the current situation without knowing how to appreciate. I think it’s because we have a tendency to think about the future too much. Too obsessed with having a good future life, we neglect the importance of today. Thanks for your inspiring post!
I whole heartily agree with you Jinon. Planning your future does have its place, but taking action should be a higher priority.