Starting Something New (& an eggy rice recipe)

The most interesting thing to me about starts, is that they are also continuations.

As I wrote out tips for getting started (below), I thought about all the things we start without realizing, like sentences or being born. Every day is an act of starting, yet we mostly talk about the things we struggle to start, or the things we start and don't finish. We rely on starts as definitive moments, as the boundary between existing and not. But when, exactly, does something come into being? And why does that one moment matter so much?

Starting is often defined by a previous state of rest, not-doing or not being. We treat these states as inferior and undesirable.

They are procrastination, laziness, and unproductive. They are also part of being. A new project, relationship, or habit is not born out of nothing and when it “ends,” it does not disappear. The breaths and movements all connect to the ones before and whatever comes next. I find this comforting and helpful to remember. Maybe you will too.

Tips for Getting Started:

Lower the stakes. Instead of starting a business, start a project. Instead of making art, make some things.

Start really small. Start so small it barely feels like starting. Pick a step that is so doable, there’s almost no chance you’ll fail. Starting could mean writing one sentence in your journal (or even picking a journal), finding the login to your bank account, or putting on your running clothes.

Reward yourself. We tend to start and then not count it. Humans are trainable. Reward yourself for doing it and you will be more likely to do it again. There’s a school of thought on punishments as well, but that’s for another day.

Create structure. Figure out when and how you will do the thing. I usually prefer flexible structure - ex. I need to draw 2x a week. You might prefer defining a specific time and day or deadline. What will trigger you to get started? Is it an alarm, a calendar invite?

Create accountability. Who will you tell when you do (or don’t do) the task? What are the stakes?

Connect to your values. How does the thing you are trying to start connect to what is important and desirable to you? Maybe you don’t like exercise, but you care a lot about your mental health and know exercise will improve it. Alternatively, if you love nature or socializing, make that part of how you exercise.

Find community. Surround yourself with people who get it and will support you along the (often bumpy) way.

Feel. Acknowledge and accept the feelings that come up. It can be helpful to get back the basics: sad, scared, mad, glad. The trick is doing this without judgement or resistance. Don't try to change them. Compassionately listen to what your feelings have to say.

Eggy Rice Recipe

For those of you who have no interest in getting started, make some eggy rice instead.

Eggy rice, not to be confused with fried rice, is an inexplicably delicious mixture of eggs and rice. To make it, heat a healthy* amount of oil or butter in a frying pan on medium-ish heat. Dump in about 2 cups of old rice and a few eggs (say 3?). Mix it around to get the rice coated in egg or vice versa - however you want to think about it. Don't over cook it. Serve with salt and pepper. If you'd like to get fancy, you can add garlic to the pan (before the rice) and top with herbs at the end.

*Whether this means generous or scant is up to you, but one is definitely yummier than the other.