How Many Ducks Does it take? 🦆
When you are starting out a new adventure or beginning something new in your life there is always a natural hesitation. For some that hesitation lasts a few seconds and for others like myself it can sometimes last a few years.
Sometimes you should have spent more time thinking it through 😊 Other times you should have acted a long time ago
Often times the hesitation comes with reasons behind it. We have so many reasons or excuses or things that cause us to hesitate that don't allow ourselves to BEGIN! We sit waiting and watching as the world passes us by.
Things like:
I will start when I am ready
I will start when I am skilled
After I figure out how I want to develop it I will start
We have an expression in America it goes like this, "Getting our ducks in a row". Now I am not sure why the ducks have to be in a row, nor where the phrase originates. I would think that ChatGPT might be able to shed some light on that subject 😅
I wonder how often these invisible ducks (I hope they are invisible to you) are holding us back from starting out our dreams. Now please don't assume I am saying that you should not be prepared nor should you just dismiss sound reason etc. All of that matters and should be considered.
Have you ever seen a friend and you ask them what they are up to and they say something like, "I am starting a podcast", then a few weeks later you ask them again, and they respond the same? Sure enough a month or so later they are saying the same thing.
If you ask them the reason for their delay I am sure you will be met with something regarding how they are "Aligning the Sun, Moon, Stars and the Universe" (My version of getting ducks in alignment). The truth? They stalled. Or maybe they did not even start. Regardless, we don't need to worry about that human. Let's get back on topic 🎯
So whether you make decisions TOO QUICK or you make them TOO SLOW, let's spend a few minutes walking through what kind of Ducks we should align?
So now let us break down how many DUCKS it takes to start Beginning to Begin 😉
🦆 One - The Planning Duck
Have you mapped your idea or your plan out? The project manager in me is always wanting a project plan of sorts, but the truth is, do you have a bulleted point list? Something like this..
Example Sketch
Starting a Podcast
Target Audience: Duck Hunters
Target Start: November of this year
Guests? Yes!
Phase One
Building Content
Sourcing out qualified candidates to speak with on the podcast
Purchasing hardware for podcast
Phase Two
Sitting down with my friend who runs a podcast and asking him about....
You need that sketch to fully realize and think about what you are up to. You don't need to go crazy, use a napkin, write it on your hand, or do whatever it takes to think it through a little bit.
I personally use my phone 😉..but hey a napkin works!
🦆 Two - Gaining Perspective Duck
Seeking advice and input from those around you. Despite what the world tells you about following your heart, it does not ALWAYS lead you to things that you should be doing. So you might have a passion and a focus, but seek out trusted advice. Don't do this without intention is my advice. Sit down over coffee and talk about this new adventure you are about to set out on.
Getting their input might be helpful in realizing any potential updates you need to make to your plan.
🦆 Three - Can you afford this Duck?
Do you have the available resources to take this on? Can you afford to do this?
Resources to consider:
💸 - Do you got the cash to fund this podcast? Buy the equipment? Buy the house? etc.
⏳ - The UPMOST VALUABLE resource that there is. Do you have the time? Will you make the time?
⚡ - Do you have the Energy to keep up with it? Are you at a place where you have the energy to commit to this task?
Remember that TIME and ENERGY are the most valuable resources you have. Before starting anything new please consider the following health checkpoints:
Mental Health - Do I have the time to commit my brain to this? Is my brain fried 🍳 at the end of the day?
Physical Health - Am I getting the rest I CURRENTLY need before setting out on this new adventure?
Spiritual Health - When was the last time I went to Church? When was the last time I sat down and spent time with God?
These areas of our lives are precious and so often the things we pursue steal time and energy away from them. So consider carefully.
🦆 Four - Are you a committed Duck?
Are you going to start? Are you going to commit? Be HONEST with yourself. This is the moment I usually spend a few days thinking about and digesting. Am I ready to start this new hobby? Did I think it through?
If you are ready to start, and you are PUMPED TO THE MAX about this new hobby, decision or process then start. And do not stop until you have finished your goal.
Get after it EVERY DAY. Don't be the human that says, "Yeah I am still working on my podcast". I have BEEN that human. It sucks. It defeats you more than it builds you.
So if you pursue something, then get after it!!!