Start before you’re ready
You may have noticed that I haven’t been here in a while (or not, that’s fine, too! live your life). Admittedly, I was in a funk and haven’t felt like myself for the last two months. Some of you may already know that I was training for the NYC Marathon to take place later this year. In mid July, however, I suffered an unfortunate ankle injury that halted my training and running for two months.
In the early days of my healing journey walking wasn't even an option as my physical therapist ordered total bedrest. For someone who is very active and who walks several miles a day with an energetic pup, not exercising, let alone not even walking at a minimum, was mentally and emotionally debilitating. I fell into depression and lacked motivation or interest in normal things, including my presence in my newly launched coaching business. Action towards my goals and priorities stopped, and my mental and physical health slipped into a familiar dark place.
I’m happy to report that today my ankle is healed, and I have resumed regular activities, including running after over two months of not doing so. To be honest, just being able to walk and hike again was a life changer for my spirit and mood. More importantly, it was a humble reminder that simply being able to walk and get around is a blessing that not everyone is capable of. For that I feel a renewed sense of gratitude and commitment to not take walking or my physical abilities for granted.
In this downtime, I’ve also been itching to resume my coaching presence and build my coaching business by actively posting on social media and my blog. But truthfully, I’ve been stuck, as if I have writer's block. I felt like I had nothing to say and no energy to try. This “stuckness” has then transformed into that familiar feeling of nagging tasks and shame spiraling that perpetuates the cycle. As a result, nothing has gotten done, and I feel worse.
I shared as much with a coaching mentor who reminded me of the common quote, “start before you’re ready.” This phrase is the title of books, articles, Ted Talks, and more. For me it resonates with my circumstances right now because I have leaned on excuses and lack of energy to keep me from taking action toward my goals. It is akin to the chicken or the egg concept in that you have to ask what comes first: the inspiration to take action or the action that builds momentum?
This isn't the first time I’ve learned this lesson and faced this truth. And I doubt it will be the last, because hey! I’m human after all. I commonly share with my clients one of my favorite Peloton quotes from instructor Robin Arzon, “Forward is a motion” (that’s right, another Peloton and Robin Arzon reference! Stay tuned for more). But what I have to add, for myself as much as for my clients, is that forward starts by creating motion. Think of any task, goal, or thing that you want to do or take action on. And then notice if you’re subscribing to the narrative of “I’m not ready” or “I’ll start that when X”. Well I’m here to tell you that I’m living the harsh reality that you need to “just do the damn thing,” as Robin Arzon often says. Do the workout, send the resume, apply for the job, write the book, write the blog post. More importantly, bet on yourself.
So here I am, doing the work with you, re-creating forward momentum. Trying to do the damn thing.
