Push! 5 tips to finally get you started

MANILA, Philippines – Out with the old, in with the new.

Sticking to a routine can get comfortable but what happens if you don’t take a risk every once in a while? 

What makes people go back to their office or their home and do what they’ve always done?

With a 9-to-5 job and other responsibilities, adding more activities to an already hectic and draining schedule seems impossible.

Perhaps saving for the future is the number one priority. Nothing comes cheap anymore, so much so that starting a new venture gets pushed to the bottom of the list.

But what can you do?

Push. Dream. Take action. Why? Because time doesn’t stop for anyone. And you may just find yourself left behind by others who took the chance to start something.

So if you want to try a new sport, put up a business or learn a new skill, here are some tips to finally get you going.

Forget the fear – expose yourself to different people, places and things

They say you find yourself when you travel alone. Traveling is not just a matter of cash or time. It’s a matter of courage.

So don’t let fear hold you back from meeting new people and traveling somewhere you’ve never been. The unknown is the beauty of it. Think of it this way: when you travel to different places, you have the chance to discover yourself and to grow in ways you never expected.

Listen to arrive at a winning business idea

Research and listen to what people say they want. Find the gaps where people need something better. Read, observe your circles, and find open spaces. A business lives and dies by its initial concept. What does it fulfill? What makes it unique? Figure these out first.

Now for the question of capital. If you want to put up your own business, you have to prioritize what to spend on versus what to let go of. Is it a good investment? Will it help my business grow? Is this a smart move?

Other tips to consider: keep track of your expenses and savings, learn to stay within your means and save money by spending only on necessary things.

Stay motivated and disciplined

Exercise. It can be intimidating when you start a new fitness program or a new sport especially when social media bombards you with photos of flat stomachs and bikini bodies.

But remember, you are doing this for you – to feel good about your body and to have a healthy life. So don’t be discouraged by the high body image standards you see. Set a goal for yourself, and use it to motivate you.

As you progress, don’t forget why you started in the first place. Adopt a level of discipline that won’t allow you to break down at any point, especially when it gets tough or you get busy.

Tap into your creativity

Starting a creative hobby can be very helpful mentally and emotionally. Why not start painting at home? Or even start learning a musical instrument? You don’t have to worry about being good at it. No pressure. Just express yourself.

You may be surprised at how therapeutic it can be! You’ll find yourself more relaxed and eventually enjoying yourself even if you claim to have no creative bone in your body. Anyone can learn so go give it a try.

Don’t limit yourself too much

Wanting to try new things also requires controlling your wants but it doesn’t mean you can’t aim high, right? 

See what it is now but don’t forget to imagine its future. 

If you have a small shop, think of expanding it eventually. For now though while it’s still tiny, you can just spruce up the interiors to make it unique.

New hobby? Try to imagine it further into the future. You never know, you may have also found a new career path. (Many a yoga teacher started out this way!)

If you want to travel, aim high! Make it a goal to see at least 20 islands in the Philippines or buy a map and some pins to motivate yourself to see the world.

Remember these tips when you want to start something new. Don’t let anything stop you from doing what you want. So #StartMoNa. – Rappler.com