Should You Jump in or Take It Slow?

Part of my workout routine includes swimming once a week. It is one of my favorite workouts and I always feel so much better afterwards. I can show up feeling tired and grumpy and be motivated and inspired by the time I get out of the water.

Knowing that I always feel better afterwards makes the process of getting into the pool that much funnier. Each morning I sit there for a few seconds and contemplate calling the whole thing off. I’ll think, “Maybe I should take a long sauna instead.” Then I try to decide the best way to get into the pool. Do I ease into it or just go for it? Ultimately, I jump in and start swimming. By the time I have taken my first breath, I’m feeling better and happy to be there.

It got me thinking about all of the steps in life that we resist committing to; whether it’s working out, eating better, calling that client you haven’t talked to in a while, or starting a new marketing campaign.  Why do we always resist those things that we know will make us either feel better or get results in our business? The time we often spend procrastinating takes longer than the actual task.

I have to admit, every now and then I convince myself it is better to ease into things. Usually this is just another form of procrastination and has disastrous results. Half-hearted efforts get half-hearted results, which means I usually quit because I don’t think it’s working. It also makes things more painful. Back to the pool, have you ever tried to ease into water that felt freezing cold, but once you finally got in all the way, it was just fine?  It’s committing half-way that is uncomfortable. Same with your clients: If you need to pick up the phone and call someone, dragging your feel only makes the whole thing worse. If you just pick up the phone, then you can move on with your day.

So what have you been dragging your feet on, afraid to commit to? Make today the day you jump in. The water’s fine.