Just Do It

Just Do It.  Three words coined by Nike in 1988 that have huge connotation.  Personally, I am a thinker.  A planner.  I spend hours each day thinking about my next move and then replaying it my head at night.  I have big ambition and elaborate goals but only vague conceptions of how to get there. 

I think the first step is the hardest.  Whether it's applying to colleges, or to your first job, or starting your own company; maybe asking someone out or proposing, trying something new.  It's scary.  The demon of insecurity is inside every person, some bigger than others.  That voice that says "You're aiming too high.  That's in that league and you are in this league.  Wait for something to come to you. You definitely just said/wore/did the wrong thing." 

Working with high school students, students are constantly coming to talk to me about stress and big decisions on where to go after high school, what to say when they apply, what to study when they get there, how to interact with a new roommate.  It's an intimidating time that I remember all to well.

For me, like many of my friends, the challenge is finding a job.  More than a job, a career.  The odds are not good.  The majority of employers in this world want you to have experience before they hire you, and few will hire you to obtain said experience.  There are tons of people looking right now, many are more qualified than a recent graduate.  It's easy to hem and haw and send out a few resumes with low expectations, but if you set low expectations, you'll reach them.

I started thinking back through my life at past jobs I obtained or past successes and I found a common trait.  I wanted it, and I did it.  When you really want something you force yourself to take that first step.  To call the college of your dreams and ask them if they could meet with you.  To walk into an office and ask to deliver your resume to the CEO.  To make a dinner reservation and ask that girl out.  To put in some ear plugs, pick up that sax and learn a new hobby.  Don't be discouraged if it's not the ideal image of perfection you had in your mind_ you'll get there.  But for now, you just have to start.

In my experience, things that get started have a phenomenally higher chance of going somewhere than things that don't get started.  My encouragement to you- you CAN do it.  The first step is the scariest, but then you get to enjoy what could be a lifelong and amazing ride. 

So whatever it is that you are hemming and hawing over, breathe in, breathe out, and Just Do It.