How to start: Using comparison properly
As I’m writing this it’s January, and yes I’m a little behind on starting some of my goals, and to be honest, sitting looking at my little list for the year ahead, it can seem difficult to know where to begin.
There are so many routes nowadays to the end destination and deciding between the best means is a job in itself.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last few years, when it comes to goal achievement it’s that the direction is more important than the destination, at least at first. So getting going and having momentum is the most important thing to focus on once you’ve committed to a path.
Commit and move.
But I hear you. That little move word is loaded! It’s not so easy.
Fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) pop up unannounced showing its unwelcomed presence, reminding us of all the seemingly endless (but untrue) reasons why we can’t.
So let’s look at some FUD-busting ways we can get out of our heads and into action, specifically by learning from the journies of others and using comparison to our advantage.
1. Look at who’s already done it
Our goals can seem daunting but contrasting against others who have done either the same or very similar can be reassuring.
This is especially the case if we look at the individual cases and look for the things we have in common with them. If they’ve done it, we can have permission to think why not me too.
2. Look at those who did far more
Another way to get some perspective using the journies of other people is to look at those who’ve managed crazy results. People who’ve done far more than what we’re doing. This can help us see maybe we’re being a little overdramatic!
But one caveat with this one, this may get a little disheartening and have the reverse effect so I’d recommend looking at people in unrelated domains for the intended effect of reducing your fear.
3. Look at who did it badly
One underrated thing to look for is the lessons we can learn of what not to do, basically what I like to call the Charlie Munger framework, the idea of inversion, avoiding what doesn’t work.
Examining the mistakes of others who’ve gone before us is my favorite way to make sure I’m avoiding some obvious and needless errors even before I start.
4. Look at who you resonate with
Finally, look at some people that have done it in a way that you can see yourself doing, or would like to be able to do.
Perhaps you see some of their personality traits in you, or perhaps their methods are something you have had success with before.
Or it could be that you actually do not have any of their traits, behaviors attitudes, experiences but you respect them.
Either way, being able to connect and align with someone you like or would like to be like is a great way to get going and stay on your path.
So, yes the dream of the destination is enticing and motivating but if we spend too long thinking about it, we emphasize the gap between where we are.
Remember at first, the direction is more important than the destination. Once we get moving, adapting and adjusting our path is far easier.
And sure, there are will be some unknown obstacles along the way, and that’s not for us to worry about. We can work out the details as we need them.
But how do we know?
Because we figured out the biggest obstacle of all, moving in the first place.
