It took me 10 years to actually make my first course - so don't give up on whatever your long-term goal is.
Not giving up also means you need to be intrinsically motivated to do it.
I realized a long time ago that I wanted to help others by passing on my knowledge, but there were always barriers in the way. (there always will be)
Some of my barriers:
❌ I didn't have the right knowledge and skills ❌ Have nothing unique to say ❌ I lacked belief in my own capabilities ❌ I lacked action and didn't set goals ❌ I made things too big, so they seemed unachievable ❌ I didn't make any commitments about doing it ❌ I couldn't decide on what to teach ❌ I didn't have the time, or resources to do it
How did I overcome them?
✅ I learned the skills and worked hard to apply them in the real world ✅ I started believing that I could help others ✅ I started breaking down huge tasks into smaller ones ✅ I started sharing publicly my work ✅ I picked something I truly believed in and where I thought I could have a voice - I was intrinsically motivated ✅ I made the time and found the resources to get things going ✅ I asked for help and got support
My message to you is
Reaching your goals sometimes is not as quick as we think it is, but as long as you are making progress and moving forward you are already winning - small steps consistently.
We all like to hear about overnight success (but rarely do these actually exist.)
💡 My tip: Look at the influences of your actions, both barriers and enablers, and see which ones you can remove or enhance.
⚡ Reach out for help - people are there for you ⚡Change your environment - this one is overlooked, yet so powerful ⚡Do things that are intrinsically motivating to you, don't chase numbers, money, fame, or recognition (all external motivations) - do it because you care and can help others (yes, we need money to live, but that will come if you truly add value to others)
Learning about your brain, your behaviors, and the influences can help you in so many ways - it helped me with my mental health, relationships and so much more.
My road was helped along the way because others before me also put to paper their knowledge and skills and for that I am grateful.
Thanks to
Marc Stickdorn for all the support on learning service design Peter Jamieson and Ross Grant for letting me explore and innovate in a government agency Patricia Meza for always believing in me Thanks, Amy Bucher, Matt Wallaert Leanna Dey, Elina Halonen, Maria Lunetto, Philip Cash Lauren Alys Kelly for your time and advice on behavioral science! Thanks, Susan Michie and Robert West for creating and sharing your models, frameworks, and knowledge with all of us! Thanks, John Beshears and Francesca Gino for your lessons
There are many many many other people to thank, so to all of you thank you as well!
And to all of you reading, commenting, supporting, and even challenging - also a big huge thank you!!!!! - I learn from all of you every day.