Sometimes a fresh start simply involves a new project. Other times, it may be more dramatic with big changes in direction. Either way, you'll make progress more quickly and keep your inspiration high if you take these steps.
1. Sharpen your focus.
A change of scenery may be helpful. Step away from your ordinary life and go to a quiet place where you can contemplate without distraction.
Don't just think about the form your new idea will take. Identify the essence of what matters to you. Essence includes the nature of the thing, its qualities. Are you longing for more joy? Laughter? Serenity? Simplicity? When you are clear about the essence, your options expand dramatically.
2. Take inventory.
What's getting your time and attention now? What would you like to eliminate? What distracts you from where you really want to go or be or do? Eliminate the nonessentials. This might involve canceling regular activities that waste your time. Or it might involve rearranging your schedule with higher priorities being given more attention. Remember that it's difficult to move forward if you aren't clear about where you are now.
3. Do your homework.
New projects involve new learning and discovery. Take a class. Locate others who are doing what you'd like to be doing. Build your own resource center. While this is an on-going part of your project, at the outset be committed to laying down a firm foundation.
4. Begin with the end in mind.
Steven Covey's advice on getting a clear vision of your final destination is critical to your success. You probably wouldn't go to the airport and say, "Send me somewhere." You'd maKe that decision first. Same is true with any new adventure.
5. Make friends with your mistakes.
Of course, you'll make them. As the old saying goes if you aren't willing to make mistakes, you can't make anything. The trick is to see them as your teachers, not your enemies.
6. Give it a name.
Putting a title on your project is magnetic. After all, a party is just a party until you give it a theme. Then your imagination gets busy. Same is true for all sorts of new endeavors.
7. Gather evidence.
Want to travel the world? Get a current passport. Physical evidence reminds you that you're serious about succeeding. Give yourself credit for even the tiniest steps. You could even start a new journal to record your progress. It's a visible reminder of the action you're taking day by day.
8. Celebrate victories.
Send yourself a congratulatory card. Invite a supportive friend out for lunch. Take pictures of yourself moving forward. This may be more challenging than you realize, especially if you were raised to downplay your achievements. Remember that celebrations are meant to be fun. Wasn't that why you wanted to embark on a new endeavor in the first place?