OMG.  These past couple of week I have literally been on self-destruct.  Burying myself under a blanket on the sofa, hoping my ever-growing to-do list miraculously sorts itself out and my photographs turn from the ordinary to award winning. 

I have had people contact me who actually want to pay me for my work!  Amazing and I am extremely grateful, and very flattered.  But Pru has popped out from the wings with a big fat comic book mallet and knocked me for six.  Sheesh! 

I think the main issue has been it’s all happening out of order (in my head) and waaaaay faster than I could have ever imagined.  So I’ve been ricocheting from “But I’m not ready” to “I’m not good enough yet” and everything in between. 

So, what do I do to get out of this vicious circle of self-doubt and subsequent procrastination (translation: lying on the sofa hoping it’ll all go away)?  Ask my mates.  Obvs!  Undoubtedly, I know they all get overwhelmed on a regular basis – it happens to the best of us – but they never let it stop them from moving forward and succeeding which I find so inspiring.  They feel the fear and do it (and a million and one other things) anyway!  

So, I thought I’d share a list, in no particular order, of the pearls of wisdom both they and my coach have given me this week.  Feel free to add more in the comments below – all donations gratefully received!:

·        Set goals

·        Write lists.  Lots of them!

·        Create visual triggers for what you need to do; on your notice board, a sticky note on your laptop – visual reminders help change habits

·        Even 5 minutes a day working toward your goal is progress

·        You will probably never feel “ready”

·        Don’t look too far ahead – the future can often be overwhelming

·        Don’t overthink what needs doing

·        Focus on one task at a time and don’t start the next until you’ve finished as starting loads at once just leaves you feeling even more overwhelmed

·        Focus on the goal which will give you the desire and determination to keep going

·        Celebrate the little achievements along the way

·        Focus on the 90% that’s good as oppose the 10% that isn’t

·        Learn to prioritise

·        Learn when to say no

·        Accept you will ALWAYS have a to-do list