If you are anything like how I used to be, you want to have everything figured out yesterday. And you feel overwhelmed and anxious when you don't. You want the results NOW, and to move on with your life.
For example, when I started up my company, there was a seemingly endless list of things I needed to do to get it up and running: make a website, set up billing, decide on branding, figure out what technology platforms to use. And on and on. The truth is, all I really wanted to do was to coach people, and yet I had to do all of these other things first. I felt frustrated and overwhelmed.
But here's the thing I realized. Starting a company, like any change you are making in your life, is a process. At each step of the way, there will be challenges and new things to learn and figure out. And if you don't enjoy the steps themselves, you are wasting the journey.
For those of you parents out there, this would be like having a child, but deciding you will only enjoy her once she hits high school. One of the joys of parenthood is in experiencing the ever-unfolding process of a child growing and maturing through different stages. Maybe this month she doesn't want to go to bed, and next month she decides she only wants to eat bananas. That is the journey you are signing up for as a parent, and the whole point is to enjoy each new experience as it comes. If not, it's a long 15 years to wait for high school.
The solution is to decide that you are going to honor each step of your project with respect, attention, and care. Become an avid learner to understand the obstacles that come you way. Make the steps of starting your company, or raising your child, or taking on whatever project is in front of you fun instead of a bother. You will make stronger progress, and enjoy yourself more.Where are you stalled in your life because you don't have everything figured out yet?
Where are you annoyed, frustrated, or overwhelmed... and can you see how you could also choose to enjoy each experience as it comes?
Enjoying it all,
A blog by Samantha Sutton, Ph.D.: life coach, career coach, relationship coach, executive coach.
Photo by Thomas Rousing
