Philippine basketball

Then and now: Remember when you first started something new?

Adrianna Mejia

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Then and now: Remember when you first started something new?
Have you ever taken a chance to start something new? What's your story?
 

MANILA, Philippines – Remember when you first walked into your new office? How about when you first opened for business? Or that moment when you decided to go back to school? The feeling is irreplaceable. It was exciting but at the same time nerve-wracking. You ask yourself, “Is this going to work out? Will the risk be worth it?”

People may have supported your decision while others may have reacted with doubt. But you tell yourself that you’ve finally started something on your own, and now is your chance to prove to yourself that you can start something new even if the future is uncertain.

Starting out? Take baby steps

It doesn’t have to be something drastic. Eating healthy, learning to play a new instrument, or getting into a new sport is something to be proud of. It’s way better than doing nothing at all, right?

It all comes down to taking action and being proactive. If you’ve always wanted to become healthy and fit, you definitely have to work to get the waistline you’ve always wanted. Who said it was going to be easy?

There will be setbacks, but these are things you have to overcome to be able to start something new. (READ: What’s stopping you from starting something new?)

It takes hard work, discipline and, of course, time. You will have to make sacrifices and difficult decisions, but if you are passionate about something, the thought of having to face challenges won’t even matter. You’d want to look back and tell yourself, “Yeah, I did that!”

What runs through your head?

When you start something new, you may have doubts. You will ask yourself, “Am I doing the right thing?” or “Am I ready for this?” But then this little voice in your head will push you to go for it and that’s when you try to make things go as planned. Here are some things that may enter your head when you want to start something new and when you decide to go for it.

1. That extra push to start something new

GOING FOR IT. The first step is the most difficult and you will need to push yourself to continue what you want to start.

You’re itching to do something different, try something new or give something another try. Maybe you’re at the point of your life when need more direction. You want to help save the environment, you want to help others live a better life, or you want to secure your future. You can wake up one day wanting to finally do something about these rants in your head.

“I always dreamt of becoming a lawyer but was discouraged when I was not accepted to my dream school. So I got a job but then I was extremely unhappy. It took me a year to realize law school was really something I wanted and that I should try again even if it had to be a different school. This year marks my third year as a law student. It may not be easy (sleepless nights and goodbye to my social life) but it’s definitely worth it!” – Janna Dy, law student

2. Laying out your plans

STOP OR GO? You will make plenty of decisions when you start something new. No matter how difficult it gets, it's all part of the learning experience.

Of course, you don’t want to jump in without first laying out the pros and cons of your decision. Is this what I really want? Can I make time for this?

“HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) Philippines started because of an opportunity my friends and I came across while working out at our favorite go-to gym. Since we were there practically every day, and really enthusiastic about fitness, we were asked to come up with a fitness program that was different from what was already offered in other gyms. That’s how we developed HIIT to combine crossfit and 360. I work a 9 to 5 job and it gets really tiring. I wasn’t even sure if this was going to fit my schedule. To add another job would make things crazy. But it was something I really wanted to pursue and I’m now in charge of finance and administration. I don’t go to the gym every day unlike before but I always find a way to make time for it. I’m overwhelmed that we always have a full class and that we’ve expanded to other branches.” – Gino Buenaventura, project manager

3. Transitioning to your first start

ADAPT. You have to learn how to accept changes in your life and make way for more opportunities in the future.

You’ve finally decided that you want to start something new. It’s small, but it’s a start. It’s all finally falling into place. You just need to adjust to the changes that will definitely happen.

“I started learning Italian two years ago, thinking it couldn’t be that hard if Natalie Portman can speak six different languages fluently. I was also planning to take my master’s degree in Italy. It was easy at first, as are most other things, but then I started to realize that learning a new language is like trying to grow another head – you don’t simply add another tool to your belt, you have to literally think, act and breathe in a new way. I took on the challenge and I realized I could do something I never thought I was capable of. It also reminded me that nothing ever comes easy and you’ll never get somewhere if you don’t at least try.” – Mikee Silva, architect

4. Small starts will lead to bigger starts

DREAM BIG. When you start something new, even if it's just a simple start, it will grow into something bigger and better in time.

Whatever you decided to start, and no matter how long it took for you to get there, the point is you were able to start and there’s no way but up. You took the risk and you want to make it worth it.

“My love for baking came from my mom and my grandma and it has been my constant hobby. I especially like baking cupcakes. During my free time, I experimented with various recipes in the kitchen. I first shared my cupcakes with my family and close friends. Because of their positive feedback, I was encouraged to start baking and turn it into a business. The time was perfect. It was around Christmas time and I thought it would be a hit for gifts or giveaways. I joined my first bazaar last March and it’s really fulfilling to see how my hobby is slowly being appreciated by many.” – Anna Perez, pre-school teacher

5. The end goal: Finally starting something new

 

IN THE ZONE. When you start something new and find yourself loving what you do, you know you're in the right track.

Good or bad, either way when you look back, it will become something worth remembering. You can say that you had the guts to go for what you want and no one can take that away from you.

“I have been overweight most of my life and it never really bothered me until I hit my 20s and landed my first job. I soon realized that I am at the point in my life where I’m young and single. I could try so many things and engage in activities almost worry-free. But I was never the athletic type, and sports were especially challenging for me since I lacked agility and endurance. I felt that my body wasn’t going to be able to keep up. I had to take serious measures to lose the extra pounds. On May 2012, I committed to a diet program and lost almost 80 pounds in 8 months. These days, I feel more energized than ever and everything seems a lot more doable. I feel healthier and I wake up everyday feeling positive.” – Jam Padilla, freelance makeup artist

No matter how small your first start is, remember why you made that first step. It is only the beginning. Don’t look back and #StartMoNa. – Rappler.com

Have you started something lately? What’s your story? Share it with us on the comments sections below. 

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!