Most people measure how far along they are in a project by how many hours are left to complete it. If it’s a project that takes 40 hours and I’ve worked at it for 10, I’m 25% done.

Those that do a lot of projects or manage projects know the hardest part is getting the project started. Getting a project off the ground is like static friction, as it’s harder to get it moving from a standstill than it is to keep it moving (Law of Inertia).

People that have worked with me know I am more stressed at the beginning of a project than when it is underway. In a building project, you have to have plans, coordinate labor, and purchase materials before you hammer even one nail.

Once things are rolling and everyone knows what to do, things are much less stressful. Systems fall in place and stuff gets done.

I heard this expression for the first time a few weeks ago. It was meant as a snide comment about something I did that appeared to be half-done. The real meaning is in how it recognizes that getting a project started is the hardest part.

The key to a smooth project is starting “well” by planning properly. Being an engineer, I have drawings and a Bill of Material for every project. They’re not always formalized – 3 X 5 cards are my go to- but stuff is always written down.

I know plenty of people that just “wing it” when it comes to getting things done. The only plans they have are the ones in their head. I believe a lot of creative people are this way.

OK for thee, but not for me.

First, I am limited by my brain capacity. If I had to rely on my brain to plan and execute projects, the projects would be very small.

Second, I have to see things on paper to fully visualize. This might just be the engineer in me, but I have to draw and redraw to get the best design.

Where I am impressed with people that can wing their way through a project, I am not impressed when winging it caused the project to be “half-arsed”. Projects without proper planning that are done poorly are more like “Half done because they were NOT well begun.”

And so it is with fitness…

The people that are most successful with getting and staying in shape are those that properly plan and execute. Sure, strapping on your sneakers and going for long walks is a good start – but that’s all it is – a start. What are you trying to achieve? What are your metrics for success? What is the best way to achieve it?

Just doing something or anything may be better than where you are at, but it is by no means “well begun”. A much better approach would be to hire a coach and work with them to establish a plan that works within your life.

… and so it is with the pandemic.

If your only plan during this pandemic was to prevent getting the virus until you got vaccinated, I’ve got some bad news for you: they don’t know how long the vaccines will last.

6 months… 9 months… maybe a year. They’re already talking boosters.

The medical community agrees on one thing – this thing is not going away any time soon. A much better, comprehensive plan for fighting COVID long-term is laid out in my Your Castle’s Defense System.

So yes, getting vaccinated is a good start, but it’s not the end all. Don’t just wing it. Use the time it buys you to develop a plan and get healthy.

And as always, we’re here to help.

Ron