Back in November last year I really wanted to start creating videos on LinkedIn. 

I could see that video was a really useful tool for getting short, engaging messages across and I thought it might suit my communication style.  I was excited about how I could use short video clips to provide useful tips on subjects I can offer advice on - and topics I coach my clients on, with the intention of adding value and sharing my message.

Once I got this idea in my head I went into research overdrive.

I read every blog, watched every video, listened to every podcast I could find on how to create short engaging videos for social media.  I obsessed about lighting, tech, staging and voice control.  I took a Udemy course in how to create confident videos (an excellent course, let me know if you're interested and I'll point you to it) and I practised and rehearsed and shot long and short clips.  I learnt how to do simple video editing and how to create a You Tube channel to host my video and create subtitles. 

I enjoyed the process of learning and whilst I was in this mode I was energised and excited.

Within about a few weeks I had become reasonably proficient and I knew I was ready to start shooting and publishing video for LinkedIn.

And that's where I got stuck.

When it came time to take action I ground to a halt.  I just couldn't push the 'go button'.

Has this ever happened to you?

After a few days of inner struggle I recognised this as pure procrastination. 
I was full of ideas on what else I needed to do before I could push 'go' (do another course, buy that fancy microphone, find a better background). But, I knew instinctively I was finding reasons not to 'just do it' because I was afraid of taking that leap into action.

I knew that if I surrendered to this procrastination I would never actually do any video on LI at all, because the habit of 'not doing it' was going to become ingrained. I needed to take action quickly, before my brain learned that we weren't ever going to do this.

So, the next morning I got up early, I had a cup of tea and then sat down and shot my first video.  It wasn't perfect but I ignored that and published it anyway. 

See what you think of my first attempt!

 

 

This was about 8 months ago.  Since then I've created more than 100 videos.  

Once I got started it was relatively easy to keep going.  And I think I've got better at it! 

What do you think? 

 

I now have a body of work in these videos that I'm able to use in so many ways.  When clients, prospects, colleagues or friends ask me about a particular topic, I can often refer them back to a video I did on that subject. I also use them to showcase my credentials and they get lots of views and engagement on LinkedIn where I publish them.  

I have so many videos now that I've categorised them on my website to help with navigation. 

If you're interested in any of these topics you might find some helpful tips in my videos:

• Do you want to create a great life and not just a good living? Is there such a thing as 'balance'?
• Starting a new job? My advice on how to approach this important chapter in your career
• Do you think you're playing it small at work?  How to stop sabotaging your career
• Facing a scary job change?  Help on how to navigate choppy career waters

My point is this. 

If you're stuck in procrastination you're probably overthinking the action you need to take. 

You don't need to know your final destination, you don't even need to know much about the journey you're on at all - you just need to know your next step.

And then you need to take it!

And yes I have a video for you on exactly this!

 

 

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Now get out there and 'just do it' 🚀

Interested in coaching with me?  Drop me a line and let's see if we're a good fit!