70. Getting started is the problem (achieving your nutrition goals)

In this episode, Dr. Gemma Sampson discusses the often-overlooked difficulty of getting started on personal and professional goals.

She shares her own experiences with various goals, such as writing a book and improving in cycling and strength training, and highlights how starting and sticking to tasks can lead to enjoyment and achievement.

Dr. Sampson emphasises the importance of accountability, body doubling, and social support to help individuals initiate and maintain progress toward their goals. She encourages listeners to take small, actionable steps towards goals, recognizing the long-term benefits and intrinsic motivation that can arise from consistent effort.

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TRANSCRIPT

The Power of Starting: Overcoming the Initial Hurdle to Achieve Your Goals

Introduction

Achieving our goals can often feel like an uphill battle, especially when the hardest part is simply getting started. For many of us, whether we're embarking on a journey of personal or professional growth, the initial step is the most daunting. As Dr. Gemma Sampson, host of our podcast, eloquently discusses, starting is not just a hurdle but a crucial part of the path to success.

Facing the Challenge of Beginning

Why does no one talk about how getting started is the problem? It's the hardest thing when we have a goal. Like many, I have a multitude of aspirations: writing a book, running a business, improving my cycling performance, and getting stronger. But the challenge is taking that first step toward these ambitions.

I recently came across a quote in a book that resonated deeply with me: "Starting is the problem, and then sticking to it." Reflecting on this, I realised that once we begin and maintain consistency, enjoyment naturally follows. For instance, with strength training, I know its benefits, yet I often procrastinate. However, once I start, I genuinely enjoy it.

The Role of Accountability

Sometimes, what we need is a small push—a nudge of encouragement or a simple declaration of our intentions. Sharing with someone else our goal to embark on a journey can be the catalyst for action. I decided to reach out to a personal trainer to help hold me accountable and guide me through my strength training endeavours. This support system is essential during the initial phase, as it ensures consistency and gradually leads to enjoyment.

The same principle applies to nutrition. Often, we know what needs to be done, yet we struggle to take action. Having an accountability buddy or a community can provide the necessary motivation to make health-conscious decisions.

The Power of Community and Social Motivation

For many, social engagement enhances the experience of pursuing a goal. Whether it's running with a group or stretching with a friend, having others involved can make the process more enjoyable. The presence of a community encourages participation and perseverance. Personally, I find solace in running with friends—the camaraderie and conversations motivate me to wake up early and step outside.

In our digital age, geographical distance is no longer a barrier to shared experiences. Video calls have become a tool to bridge gaps, and I've found joy in cooking alongside friends from different locations, sharing the experience as if they were physically present. This concept of "body doubling" has been instrumental in overcoming hesitation and achieving goals.

Building Habits Through Small Steps

The journey of accomplishing a goal begins with a single step. It's essential to recognize the value of small, incremental actions. Starting today, consider what small step you can take towards your goal, whether it's a short meditation or evaluating your food intake. Though the results might not be immediate, remember the power of compounded efforts. In a few months, you might look back with gratitude that you began when you did.

Don't underestimate the significance of these baby steps. Getting started, no matter how minor the action seems, is the foundation of reaching your ultimate destination.

Conclusion

As you contemplate your goals this week, I encourage you to think about what you can do to get started. Begin with something manageable and commit to an action within the next 24 to 48 hours. Remember, each step you take fuels your journey forward. Like, subscribe, and fuel your ride. I'll see you next time.

Embrace the challenge and take the first step today!