There’s a wonderful purity in starting again.
“It’s about letting things go so you can get what you want.” Bert Cooper from Mad Men was talking about account management, but he could easily have been referring to that moment when you realise it’s time to return to the start.
Like anyone with a long enough career and life, I’ve had to start over in big and small ways. I recently wrote about finding new customers after the Great Financial Crisis 2008. Last year, the Auckland floods hit my home. Like many others, we had to start again with much of our belongings and the house.
Whether it’s a career shift, a personal life change, or seeking a fresh approach to a project, starting over requires courage, planning, and resilience. In these uncertain times, many of us find ourselves in this situation. Here are some reflections on what works for me.
Reflect, but don’t dwell
I’m a big fan of structured reflection. I’ve kept a diary for years, which is invaluable for self-awareness: spotting patterns and behaviours that aren’t immediately obvious.
I approach this reflection like an audit, searching for my role in past outcomes, good or bad, and identifying what was beyond my control. Insights from the recent past often guide future decisions. This isn’t about being hard on myself – it’s about gathering data and focusing on practical steps to avoid repeating mistakes.
Are you procrastinating getting started?
I’m prone to both overly ambitious thinking and worry, which can lead to procrastination. Research suggests procrastination is more about emotion regulation than poor time management. For me, that means I sometimes risk reaching for a bag of Bluebird Ready Salted instead of getting to work.
I like to simplify it: usually, procrastination comes from one of three things – I don’t want to do it, I don’t know how to do it, or both.
That’s why I break things down into manageable tasks. “Dream big, start small” is a concept I love. It’s great for celebrating small wins. I use Motion AI for task management, and ticking off tasks gives me a dopamine hit. It’s more than handy for billing time – it’s deeply satisfying.
Support structures are the key
Your support network is crucial. Europa Creative Partners is named after my network – a group of friends and partners who support and collaborate with me. Lean on your support structures; if you don’t have them, build them. Surround yourself with good eggs, people who believe in you and avoid those who don’t. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
Go time
This is the time to back yourself and move forward with optimism. Be as patient and kind to yourself as you would to your best friend. Dust yourself off. Let’s go!