The Best Advice I Ever Got

Are you waiting to feel inspired? To feel ready? To have clarity? Let me share the best advice I ever got:

Just start.

Prolonged wavering and ambivalence leads to decision fatigue, stress, and exhaustion. As my mentor, Brooke Castillo, always says, “free yourself from “maybe” and give yourself the gift of a clear yes or a no.”

Here’s an anecdote from my life which clearly illustrates this point. When I was in my twenties, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to continue pursuing theater or not. I spent endless hours, weeks, and months obsessing over what to do with my career and trying to gain clarity. In the meantime, I was waiting tables, not pursuing much of anything, and felt anxious and drained. I called my mom for advice about my career path and she said simply, “Just do something. It doesn’t matter what. Just pick something and do it.”

I was so sick of feeling mentally drained that I took her advice immediately. I opened the classifieds, saw an ad for a theater that needed an intern, and called them. Two days later I met with the artistic director. A day after that I started working for the theater five nights a week. A few months later I was cast in a main stage production with the company. And then another. And another one after that. I worked with that theater professionally for over a year. I made good friends who I still keep in touch with today. Making one tiny decision to call changed everything.

What have you been waiting to take action on?

Want to get organized but short on free time? Set a timer for 15-minutes and organize one drawer. Have you been debating about what color to paint your bedroom for years? Pick a color and start painting. Want to do something creative but not sure what you should do? Pick a class and register. Want to work out more but not sure what to do? Put on some sneakers and walk for thirty minutes.

So, here’s my best advice for you if you’re feeling stuck: Stop thinking, make a decision, and do something. I promise, taking even the smallest of actions will make you feel better.

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