"I Just Don't Know Where to Start!"
Ever have one of those days when you don’t know where to start? You’ve got a dozen things on your list, and none of them are what you want to be doing right now?
What is the first step to take?
Are we faced with a decision like Harry is here: should we extract ourselves from the footstool first, or just go straight for the paper towel tube that got us here in the first place?
Okay, chances of us compressing ourselves under a step-stool for the sake of chasing a make-shift cat toy is pretty slim.
However, doesn’t it often feel like we’re at a crossroads? Or having to decide between one thing or another? Even when it comes to small things like what to have for lunch. What do we feel like? (Endless options there). Do we want to cook today or not? If not, do we have leftovers that are an easy fix? If not, then the next decision, where would we want to go to eat?
I’ve been so flummoxed by this small decision that frequently I’ve resorted to the “what do I want to eat for lunch” wheel you can google. Seriously — I let it spin and if it’s what I want I go for it; if it’s not speaking to me, I spin again.
How many amazing things am I not getting done because I’m bogged down by the simple decisions about what to eat for lunch? Or dinner?
Some people have meal planning down to an art; I’m not one of them, but I am learning.
But what about other decisions in life? What about when we’re trying to start a new project, or craft, or learn a new technique? How do we start?
Here’s a few suggestions:
Do you know someone who can already do what you want to learn?
Can you look it up on youtube?
Is there a book about it?
Is there a course you can take at a local community college or art school?
Is there an online course you can take? (But only sign up for it if you’re really going to work on it …)
Now here are some next steps:
Talk to the person who already knows how to do what you want to do, and ask them how they got started. They may even share some tips or provide guidance to you
Of course check out YouTube, but be sure to limit yourself to 3-5 videos. Don’t get bogged down (or fall for the cat videos … yes, YouTube knows me well…)
Local libraries — our forgotten source of a wealth of knowledge! Go to your library or check out their resources online. They have a lot of books available online or to take out — for free! This is a good option if you’re like me and follow a LOT of different art and craft directions, and want to learn something but don’t have the room to store dozens of books. If you find one you really like, then definitely go ahead and buy a copy.
Check out your local art school or community college; they often have courses on subjects you may be interested in.
Online courses — this is where you could go down an endless rabbit hole, purchasing courses you never use. If they offer a free option, go for that first to see if you’re motivated enough to work through an online course without a regularly scheduled class. Or schedule time on your calendar to purposefully work through the course. If you complete the free option, then consider a paid one. There are also online subscription services you can sign on for as well, like Craftsy for just about any art / craft / skill you want to learn. If you’re interested in Pottery, check out The Ceramic School, ClayShare or Naomi Clement’s MakerSpark. All are amazing resources.
So here are some ways to get started if you’re not sure where to start. I also recommend getting paper and pen, and writing down WHY you want to start, but we’ll delve more into that into another post.
Have an amazing day!