If you are like many people, sometimes you set goals, feeling so committed to them, but after some time, you look back with shame or disappointment at a failure.
I had a goal to start a YouTube channel in December 2023. But I had a hard time getting started until 9 months late.
What was holding you back?” you ask.
I want to share with you 2 critical gapsin my life that held me back and hold back most people from achieving their goals.
Those gaps are The Skills gap and the action gap,
I will also share how You can avoid them.
1. Skills gap
Sometimes, we can’t achieve our goals because we lack the knowledge and skills required to achieve them.
Since December 2023, I have wanted to start a YouTube channel to share what I learn (my passion) and find ways to make money. But until July 2024, I could not do that.
In late July 2024, I attended a webinar by Ali Abdaal (a very successful YouTuber) about starting and growing a YouTube channel.
He outlined 3 levels of YouTube channel growth and skills needed at every stage: getting started, getting better, getting consistent.
As a beginner, in addition to courage, I need basic skills like Filming, video editing, thumbnail design, and navigating YouTube settings.
I committed to learning these skills (just basics) and trying to apply them.
I tell you what? On 12 September 2024, I published my first self-filmed and self-edited video. You can watch it here
So, if you are trying to achieve something, the first step is to list the basic knowledge and skills you need to apply to achieve that.
If you realize you are missing some skills on the list, your assignment now is not to work on the goal directly but to learn.
My approach to quick learning is video Tutorials on YouTube. I learned to edit a video by Capcult through a video by Kevin Stretvart
The ” Apply ” aspect leads to gap number #2
2. Action gap
For this, I will be quick! If you have the knowledge and skills, it is time to do what holds most of us back: ” START.”
While skills and knowledge build our confidence to get started, There are 3 things that lead to procrastination:
- The fear of failure
- Feelings we are not perfect
- comparing ourselves with others ( especially those who are already advanced )
To cross this mind block, I remind myself of 2 things (you can try it too)
- Yes, I can fail. But Also, who knows, I might make it. By failing to start, I completely eliminate any chance whatsoever of success. So, I act on things like I am betting????
- Yes, there are those better than me and I am not yet perfect. But every pro has been a biginer. So, the sooner I can be a beginner, the sooner I can be a pro!
By getting started on my Channel, I gained momentum to keep pushing, and some people approached me to volunteer to help me with video production!
You see, getting started might open doors you never imagined.
I hope this inspires you to get started on the goals you have been putting off for so long.
Simple! Make sure you bridge your knowledge gaps and then, get Started. Let what crush crush. If you fail, you will have gained experience!????
By the way, If you want to receive weekly ideas on improving your communication skills, career growth, and personal development, subscribe to my weekly tips.