When we think about what we want to create or achieve in our life or when we share it with a friend or relative, it often is immediately followed with a question of “how will that happen?” instead of positive thinking or well wishes.
But please – ignore the question because we should not be focusing on the how’s.
The “how” can be paralyzing. It can stop us from taking the first step because it feels like we should have it all mapped out and that first step must be perfect. Or we get into analysis paralysis where we become overwhelmed with all the possible solutions. And so we may never take the first step at all.
The “how” can be limiting. Focusing on the how and running with a solution we’ve laid out is the equivalent to putting blinders on. In reality, an infinite number of how’s exist! The way we become wealthy/happy/free/peaceful may very well not even be invented yet! By focusing on the how’s, we are limiting the possibilities to what we know and may end up closing ourselves to the ultimate solution.
The “how” can be distracting. Making sure we make all the right steps in reaching our goals takes us away from the experience. Is it more important to check off the boxes of each step or is it more important to feel happy/fulfilled/complete in the process which may very well come from out-of-the-box solutions?
Don’t get so caught up in the how – take the first step that feels right unto itself – not because it is part of the grander scheme you have mapped out or because it is sure to bring about XYZ. Take that first step that lights you up, that calls and invites you to take it and then, don’t be afraid to do that with the second step and third step and so on.
