Just do it

Many of us have ideas that float about in our heads. Visions of things we can do. Places we can go and things we could accomplish. So what is the difference between those people who are actually out there doing it and those who are not?

One simple thing.

People who actualise their dreams into reality actually take that first step.

That first important step!

As I often say, there are many quotes and sayings that revolve around this concept  -  and again – for very good reason.

The most important step you can take in any project is the first step – whatever that may be for you – because once you commit and take action – the Universe somehow has a way of showing up with the right people, invitations and coincidental events to keep you on your path.

But you have to be committed.

And you have to be determined.

And you have to be passionate.

And most importantly, you have to take that first step and put your vision out there.

Just say you want to get fit for instance – then go to a local gym and pay that membership and book in for a one on one personal training session. You are now on track to increase the potentiality of achieving your goal 100%. Not only have you taken action yourself, but you have committed to it by introducing a personal trainer – someone to whom you are accountable and a person who has shared your vision. The more people you share your dream with – the more help will come to you, and the more determined you will be. The whole process just starts to open up.

Often times in my life I have been terrified of starting a new journey – but then once I took the first step, that anxiety dissolved and I was suddenly on that path – living  that dream.

Yes – effort was involved – but things were not half as daunting as I anticipated them to be and surprisingly people are always willing to help. Well nine times out of ten anyways.

Here are just a few examples form my own life experience.

When I created my tap dance syllabus Tapatak Oz, I had no idea how to use a computer graphics programme to design the cover artwork for the DVDs and CDs etc. Yes – I could have paid a designer, but I had put every cent into this new venture and the DVD production and now had a loan that already looked pretty huge waiting in the wings.

So what did I do. I printed out various pictures and logos and headings and glued them all onto a homemade prototype and then, feeling like quite the fool with my paper mached concoction, waltzed into my media company of choice to tell them this is what I wanted ha ha ah ha.

To say I felt slightly daunted and foolish is an understatement. But in I went nonetheless.

Did they laugh – no.

Did they scoff at my hapless attempt at artwork – no.

Did they think I was hopeless and silly and useless – no.

They actually applauded my tenacity and said a lot of people often did that [ I think they lied to make me feel better ha ha ha ] and then asked me to send the original artwork files and they would put it all together as per my paper mached display. Which they did. And the rest is history. I launched my syllabus DVD series and the DVDs looked great.

We sometimes think that we have to do it all alone. but we really don’t. We just have to figure out what we want and where our passions lie and have the guts to get out there and make it happen.

We all feel silly sometimes.

We all worry that people will laugh.

We all fear failure.

But – you know what. Who cares? The only person who really gives 100% attention to you and what you are doing is ……YOU!

Newsflash – everyone else is busy getting on with their own lives ha ha ha.

So if you think people are really just sitting around waiting to criticise you and what you are doing – you are most likely sadly mistaken. They are all busy putting their own dreams out into the Universe.

Here’s another example.

When I decided to take up drumkit at the ripe old age of  28 [ I felt really old at the time ha ha ha] it took all my courage to walk in the doors of Billy Hyde Drum Craft, which used to be in Commonwealth St, Surry Hills, Sydney and ask for lessons. I felt like a silly old woman [ I do laugh hard at that now though, as I feel 45 young like the proverbial "spring chicken"]

All the guys working there were about 18 – 24 and already cool, funky, accomplished drummers of note – from my perspective. So – in  I went. And practice I did, for about 5 hours a day for the next 10 years.

Prior to auditioning for my first band, I remember spending hours in my lounge room, assembling, disassembling and then reassembling my drum-kit, to make sure that I wouldn’t take too long or look unprofessional at the audition. I even timed myself with a stop watch whilst also trying to look cool, funky, laid back and nonchalant as I went through the process.  I mean  - that is what drummers are like after all? Hilarious.

I do laugh looking back on it now.

But we all start somewhere.

You just have to start.

Years later – I played my first ever gig at The Hopetoun Hotel in Surry Hills [ quite the place back in the day ha ha ] and one of the guys from the drum shop actually came and set up my kit for me……acting as my “roadie” for the night. Classic! But having that little bit of help and support made all the difference. I was beyond nervous and felt sick right down into the pit of my stomach. But I did it. Though to this day I wonder how.

In the end, one of my bands actually got airplay on Nova 96.9 as part of some band comp of sorts and we were included on a compilation CD involved with the comp. This was years ago, but the memory is fresh and clear and I will never forget driving down Paramatta Rd, with the radio blaring listening to ” We Go Round” by SugarHit – it was the most incredible feeling. My bass sound of my very own drums were kicking on through the car radio ha ha ha – it was beyond cool!

And whoever would have thought I could get that far with my drumming? Certainly not me when I walked into Billy Hydes feeling like a washed up old woman at the grand old age of 28 ha ha ah ha.

Now – the point here is not that I played drums or that I can make DVD cases with a pair of scissors and some glue.

The point is that once you take that first step and commit – the other things just appear and carry you on your journey. Like I said – you have to commit, you have to be passionate, you have to be determined and you have to want it.

But  - it is amazing what can happen and what you can achieve through sheer hard work and determination.

And the most important thing of all is that first real step.

So I encourage you to take the step.

Make a move in a new direction.

It may be ukulele lessons – that is my next project as I search for a slightly smaller instrument of choice ha ha.

It may be cooking lessons.

It may be booking a holiday.

It may be opening a bank account and sorting out a direct debit system to get your debt under control.

It may be joining a dance class.

It may be starting a new business.

Whatever it is that you want to do – my advice is -

Do your due diligence of course and have a plan – but then:

JUST DO IT!

No excuses.

No fear.

No contrived obstacles.

JUST DO IT!

There is only one person on the Planet who can take your life to where you want it to be and that is you.

So figure out what you want and get out there.

Discover You. Love You. Be You.

It’s that easy.

 - Christine -