The Power of Taking The First Step

Baybeeeeee, do you remember those dreams?

Yes, those dreams, girl.

The ones you put back on that dusty shelf like the books you never read.

That pile of half-made plans that you never complete.

You might even be holding onto that jar (damn that jar) of every unkind word you ever said to yourself because you did not think ....

you were good enough, smart enough, knowledgeable enough, qualified enough, connected enough TO JUST START.

What were the other excuses you told yourself?

''What if I fail?''

''What if people don't like me/it/them?''

''I just don't have the time, the money or the energy now''

''What if something really bad happens?''

How many times have you hit snooze on your goals?

"I'll start working out tomorrow" "I'll start eating healthier next week" “I’ll start taking better care of my hair in the new year” "I'll start saving more money next month"

Do any of these things sound familiar?

There is no better time to send this message than at the beginning of a new year. This is not a new revelation but a sweet reminder because I believe the world is in need of what you have to give. Say yes to yourself. Just start. Take the first step. Take up the space that is rightfully yours. The conditions will never be perfect for you. Your power lies in deciding that this is the day and now is the time. Tomorrow will never wait for you to get your act together. There are people who are way less qualified than you but they just started anyway so imagine what you could do with what you already know and have. It's never too late. The market is never too saturated. What is yours will always be yours. You will not know these things if you don't take the first step. Start so that if you are to fail, you'll fail faster and move on faster but a lot wiser. Start so that you know if that idea is yours to nurture. Start because you may be sitting on your generation's greatest invention. Start because someday someone will be inspired by your story and they will start theirs too because of your courage to start.

This message is all so personal

'Why'? You ask. It is because I just launched my brand @thewashdayco.

God knows I could not be happier to share my journey with you and the lessons I've learned along the way. It has been a journey sis, a whirlwind, but I would not change it for the world.

But as with anything in life, nothing comes easy but you've won a huge chunk of the battle when you take THAT FIRST STEP.

I want to see YOU (Yes YOU! taking your time to read this) get to the highest levels of success imaginable. And I am manifesting that it will happen for YOU.

My desire is to create a community of Black women (cos you know we be goin' through some thangs) and our allies who empower, support and love on each other as well as pave the way for others. Can I get an AMEN on that sis.

A few key pointers I want to spend some time thinking about ...

That first step is the hardest.

Starting is very terrifying and trust me, you are not the only who feels this way.

The fact is most WOMEN don't like taking risks. Myself included, Yes I have spent precious time asking myself the 'what if' questions.

What if I fail? What if it doesn't turn out as I planned? What if people don't like me? What if? What if? What if?

But baybee, what if it succeeds? What if you fly? Don't hate on your humble beginnings either. What may look small at the start could multiply a hundred fold with time. Yessssss child.

Every expert was once an amateur – marinade on that! I know you feel me. I feel you feeling this message but lets carry on.

You will figure it out along the way.

You may feel you are not well-equipped with all the knowledge and skills required but you don't have to know everything in order to just start.

Be a student of life and open yourself up to learning through the journey. Some things can't be taught - you'll learn through experience.

Stay curious. Seek to know more about what you're doing. Find mentors. Read. Collaborate with others. Join like-minded communities.

The joy is in the process as you find ways to streamline your systems. Start over as many times as you need until you get it right.

Excuses and distractions are the enemy.

There will always be an excuse. Always! Distractions are everywhere too.

Your success depend on how willing you are to shut out the noise. Positively affirm yourself through the excuses and always remember that you are ENOUGH. You are EVERYTHING.

Personal discipline will help you push through distractions like social media. Keep the big picture in mind which is the desired outcome of you starting. Think of the positives. Focus on the positives. It is all about the positive vibes here :)

The universe is on your side.

You have the backing of all your ancestors and they are always rooting for you to win. The universe is on your side.

If the change is for your good then you're positively contributing to this world. Even if things don't work out at first, it doesn't mean you are a failure. It makes you brave for choosing to act on your ideas and you will keep trying. .

Never give up - not when you know who you are. A badass wonder woman! BOOM.

Know your 'why'.

What is your reason? Why are you doing what you're doing? Is it strong enough to keep you going when things get hard? When you need to start again?

Clearly define your vision and believe in it so much that nothing shakes you. Your 'why' will keep you grounded and going. Your 'why' is your purpose.

If your 'why' for starting that business is financial freedom then you won't rest until you achieve it. A strong 'why' is enough to get you started and keep you going

Nike is right about one thing, Just do it!

Stop the overthinking and just do it. Come what may, just do it! With your trembling heart and shaking knees, just do it! A powerful way to get through the first step is looking at taking action as a way of honoring yourself, your beautiful ideas and your creativity.

Everything you plan for in your head deserves a fair living chance in the world. Your work deserves to be seen.

Liz Gilbert, a celebrated writer, once said, “Do whatever brings you to life, then follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.”

 

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