Got a Big Idea? 5 Ways To Get Started Now
Ever had an idea that excites you, but you feel stuck on where to begin? Whether it’s starting a business, changing careers, or tackling a big personal goal, getting started can be the hardest part. The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Episode 7 of The Solo Coach Podcast shares the following five steps to help you break through the uncertainty and take action!
1. Speak to the People Who’ve Done It Before
If you want to know what it’s like to go on a journey, speak to the people coming back from that journey. Too often, we turn to friends and family for advice, but if they haven’t done the thing we want to do, their perspective might not be as useful as we’d like. Instead, seek out those who have already walked the path. Ask them:
What made you decide to do this?
What’s the reality like compared to your expectations?
What obstacles and setbacks did you encounter?
How did you overcome them?
What have been your biggest wins and best days?
Is there anything you know now that you wish you’d known back then?
Who else should I speak to? What should I do next?
People love talking about themselves and are often very proud of what they’ve achieved. You might be surprised at just how openly they will share some of their experiences with you, to help you avoid some of the traps they fell into and achieve success more quickly! Most importantly, listen to understand, not just to respond. When you truly listen, you gain insights that can help you avoid common mistakes and move forward with confidence.
2. Identify the Skills You Need (And the Ones You Already Have!)
To move forward, you need to understand what skills are required and how to develop them. Start by asking:
What do I actually need to know to succeed?
What skills do I already have that are transferable?
Where are the gaps, and how can I fill them?
We often underestimate our existing abilities and quite how transferable our skills are. A skills and strengths audit can help you see that you’re more prepared than you think. Maybe you don’t have formal sales experience, but if you’ve ever persuaded someone to see things from your perspective, you have negotiation skills. Maybe you haven’t managed business accounts before, but if you’ve managed a personal budget, you are more financially savvy than you think. Maybe you haven’t spoken publicly on stage before, but if you’ve spoken in regular office meetings, you are most likely a far better communicator than you realise. Once you’ve identified any gaps, look for ways to plug them—whether that’s through mentorship, training, or hands-on experience.
3. Invest in Some Support
Getting started can feel overwhelming, which is why investing in support can make all the difference. Consider:
A coach to help you gain clarity and accountability.
A mentor who has been where you want to go and can provide guidance.
A training course to develop essential skills.
Sometimes, the simple act of paying for support creates a level of commitment that helps you push forward. I know from personal experience that once I invested in a coach and a professional training course, I was far more likely to take action and stay accountable to my goals, as I had some skin in the game.
4. Massive Action is the Cure-All
Thinking about something for too long can keep you stuck. The most successful people don’t wait until they have all the answers—they take action and figure things out along the way. Key principles to remember:
Action trumps thinking every time. Stop over-planning and start doing.
There’s no such thing as failure, only results. If something doesn’t work, learn from it and adjust.
Don’t let analysis paralysis, fear of missing out (FOMO), or fear of a better option (FOBO) hold you back. Just starting is the quickest way to silence these doubts.
Get used to having critics and sceptics. Not everyone will support your journey, and that’s okay.
I’ve learned first-hand that you don’t need to have everything perfectly figured out to begin. When I took on a storytelling role at Animas, I didn’t have a background in journalism or marketing. But I leaned into the opportunity, learned on the job, and refined my approach over time. If I had waited until I felt “ready,” I would have missed out on an incredible experience.
5. Guard Your Energy and Enthusiasm Closely
Starting something new is exciting, but it also requires resilience. Protect your motivation by:
Being selective about who you share your dreams with. It’s often better to tell people after you’ve taken action rather than in the early planning stages.
Understanding that growth and change will make some people uncomfortable. Not everyone will cheer you on, and that’s okay.
Being prepared to let go of what no longer serves you in pursuit of something better.
Recognising that the size of your success is directly proportional to the sacrifices you are willing to make.
Considering not just the risks of taking action, but also consider the price you’ll pay if you never try.
I once spoke to someone who, 35 years ago, had the opportunity to move to Australia but didn’t take it. Decades later, they still wonder what might have been. That conversation stuck with me. It reminded me that the pain of never trying is often far worse than the risks of going for it. At the end of our lives, we tend to regret the things we didn’t do, more than we regret the things that we did.
Final Thoughts
Getting started is often the hardest part, but you don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself with the right people, invest in your growth, take bold action, and protect your energy. Before you know it, you’ll look back and realise that the journey was worth it after all!
So, what one step could you take today, to get started? Go take it now! 🚀
Still feeling stuck? Let’s chat. Book a free discovery call here.
David Garwood
The Solo Coach
