SOME TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED

FINDING A SIDE PROJECT

WHAT DO YOU CARE ABOUT?

Over the next month, write down everything you think of that you find interesting. It might be a book you’re reading, a TED talk you see, a TV show, a tweet. You’ll soon realise you have values and life beliefs that you can start a project around.

CONSIDER WHAT YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN

Writing, drawing and photographing are some of the most accessible things we can do, but we often self limit as we don’t think we’re good enough. Find something you’d like to explore and apply it to your project.

EXPLORE THE EDGE OF YOUR COMFORT

In yoga, teachers talk about ‘finding the edge’ of a pose: using the time on your mat to explore your body with no pressure. The same happens with side projects. You can play with photography, design skills, learning a new coding language: find the edge of your comfort and see how far you go.

GROWING A SIDE PROJECT

FIND YOUR VILLAGE

Whether you have an idea to sell shoes, build a yoga brand, or create a board game, the best way to ensure progress, is to surround yourself by people who energise you. Find those people who encourage, stimulate and support. After all, “It takes a village to raise a child”.

LESS SCROLLING

Everyone seems to be so busy these days. But curiously, there always seems to be time to scroll Instagram or scroll through Netflix channels. Sometimes being busy & tired are symptoms, not causes, of an unfulfilled life - so it can be helpful to reduce the scrolling if it ends up feeling draining.

KNOW THERE IS POWER IN POTENTIAL

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or completely new to the field. Everyone has the ability and everyone can benefit from the process of exploring something they’re interested in. Own your potential.

FIGHT LETHARGY

Remember to choose tiny actions over inaction. Coffee shops over duvet days. Sunny walks over closing the blinds. If you’ve ever been woken up by going for a run you’ll know it sometimes takes energy to create energy.

YOU CAN TEACH A DOG NEW TRICKS

Too old to learn a new skill? Too young to start a business? Too unskilled to do illustration? The time never seems right. Today, you may wish you started 5 years ago. In 5 years time, you’ll probably wish you started today.

FEAR FEAR

Roosevelt was right when he said: “The Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”. So much inaction comes from fear. Fear that we’re not good enough. Fear that our idea isn’t bold enough. Fear of not finishing. Fear of what others think. We should be a lot more afraid of fear itself. After all, fear kills more dreams than failure ever could.