082: Start Small and Embrace the Power of Zero

 

Hey there Word Nerds! I’m so glad you’re here with me today. I am so excited to talk to you about this topic today, about the power of starting small and embracing the power of zero.

A lot of people resist starting at all because we have to start and zero. There are so many mental blocks that get in the way of starting small, and for good reason.

Going from small to big, from rough to polished, from amateur to professional, is not as hard as you might think. As Austin Kleon says in his book Show Your Work, technically it’s all on the same creative spectrum. Going from nothing to something is WAY more difficult.

In a way, that’s good news. it means that whatever that very first step is that you have to take, it’s the hardest one. Still, taking the hardest step first is really rough, when you don’t have a support network yet, when you don’t have a track record of success to help you stand up to the negative self-talk that is filling your head.

Today we’re going to talk about a few of the myths about starting small that might be keeping you from getting started.

3 Myths About Starting Something

1. I have to wait for the right time.
2. I can’t do it.
3. Something (or someone) else is blocking me from getting started.

One thing that’s important to defeating these mindset blocks is understanding the difference between resistance and blocks. I personally believe that blocks don’t actually exist. If I’m having a hard time getting myself to sit down and work on something, I either trick my brain into working on it or I take away any other options until I get through it.

But resistance is different. Resistance is much deeper. It’s based on fear or some other emotion deep in you that is causing you not to want to address a certain project. Resistance always exists for a reason. It’s up to you to discover where it’s coming from and then use that resistance as a compass to show you which way to go.

When you have a project and you are feeling the pain of having to take the leap from not being on the spectrum of creative progress to finally being on that spectrum, you need to be able to tell the difference between a block that you can blast through and resistance that you need to be mindful of and press into.

The Power of Zero

All of these myths are things we tell ourselves when we are trying to step onto the creative spectrum at the zero point. We have no words. We have no followers. It’s easy to give in to the fear of being at zero.

The zero moment, that first glimmer of an idea that you have, it’s the power of potential energy. But most of us don’t realize when we’re in it. When you’re at zero you can do anything. You have nothing but uncharted territory ahead of you. The more people you have watching your creative process, the more aware you are of being watched.

Remember, zero is the great equalizer.

So I challenge you to embrace your zero moment! Head over to Twitter and tweet out what you did to celebrate your zero moment, or what you plan to do if you haven’t gotten there yet! Make sure to include the hashtag #zeromoment so that I can follow and celebrate with you.

And keep an eye out. There’s awesome stuff coming, guys. Keep an eye on your inbox for more details. If you’re not on the list yet, you can sign up here.

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For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/082