Sounds remedial, I know but here’s the thing. Only fourteen percent of all those who have a dream actually start to pursue it. Most talk themselves out of it before they even line up in the starting block!

I’m shocked by that but it’s true. I also have to admit I’m guilty. I’ll bet you are, too.

I’m a runner. Nothing clears my head or increases my stamina like a nice, long run. I’ve run marathons (26.2 miles in one race). You’d think my most difficult time would be at the twenty-five mile mark but not so. It’s the FIRST STEP!

Before I start any run, I can rapidly come up with at least a hundred reasons why I shouldn’t lace on my running shoes and head out the door. But I only need to act on one reason why I should start pounding the pavement.

Once I get past that first step, the rest comes naturally. My body and mind fall into a blissful sync and an hour or so later, I lay on the floor stretching with the satisfaction that I actually ran!

You may be struggling with the same thing in your writing. Your mind (and others around you) can easily convince you not to run the writing race. Don’t let that happen to you. It’s YOUR race. Don’t let anyone else negatively impact. Get out there and run it! Here’s how:

Take a step! It doesn’t matter if it’s graceful or clumsy. Just do it! The next step will naturally follow. Before you know it, you’ll be in the middle of the pack plugging along and enjoying the run.

Rinse and Repeat. If you take one step and stop, you’ll topple over, so for safety’s sake, please repeat that process in your writing. If not, you’re going to lose your equilibrium. That won’t be pretty.

Have fun. Good gravy, please enjoy yourself. If you don’t, it will feel notoriously like a bad job or maybe a root canal.

Success isn’t complicated. You just have to begin. Put yourself in motion and the momentum will carry you to the finish line.

Are you having trouble beginning? What’s causing it? Share it here!

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Reba J. Hoffman is a natural encourager and Member Care Coach at My Book Therapy. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling and is the founder of Magellan Life Coaching (www.magellanlifecoaching.com). She is the author of Dare to Dream, a Writer’s Journal published by My Book Therapy. She also publishes a motivational and encouraging blog, FindingTrue North. Contact Reba at reba@magellanlifecoaching.com.