How to Find The Way to Your Dreams Without Having a Plan
- Aubrey Rose
- Jan 27, 2018
- 2 min read
The most difficult part of any project is the beginning. Oftentimes we'll think of a great idea to develop and then find that we have absolutely no idea how to begin, let alone refine it. It usually takes a few minutes to begin any one of my posts because of this phenomenon. I'll type a few sentences then backspace through the whole thing. Unfortunately the beginning isn't something that we can skip so, as the mad hatter says "start from the beginning and when you come to the end stop."
So, how do we get through that inevitable beginning so that we can get on our ways?
The first part is the change your stigma towards beginnings. Rather than "hating the start" you must learn to dive in with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. Dislike attracts more dislike, so do your best to attack the task with as little resistance as possible.
The second part is to research. We want to make the kickoff point as easy and un-intimidating as possible, so let's make sure we at least have an idea as to what we are doing. If you're writing a book about a dancer, but you have absolutely no idea how to follow a beat, or you want to draw a bearded dragon riding a corgi but you haven't the slightest idea as to how to draw a dragon's beard, you've got to find a way to attack that.
The third part is to start making an outline. Plan out just what you'd like to create by breaking it up into simple steps. Write a bullet point list describing all of the most imperative points of the story line for your book, or sketch out a basic concept for your drawing. You'll often find that there is really no better way to begin, because in this way you're letting the you that's a couple of minutes into the future know just where to put all of the details.
The fourth part is to take a second to refocus on the task at hand. What is your ultimate goal in beginning this project? Is is publication, fame, the joy of putting it up on your wall? Just how badly do you want this. Then, prepare yourself.
The fifth part is to trust your gut and jump in. Let yourself be pulled by your goals and your gut, rather than pushing and shoving work out of yourself. Intuitively, we all know just what we're going for, so there's no need to be afraid. Don't force things and allow new ideas to inspire you to progress even further. Even if it takes a go or two, this inspiration will motivate you to get to that end gracefully and purposefully.
The overarching theme of this process is to trust the process. Stay focused on your goals and direction and stop stressing over how you're going to do it. Inspiration will lead the way so long as you remain committed and active. Don't hold yourself back.
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