Why starts matter

Beginning well sees us through to the end

In my keynote speech, Regaining Momentum, I mention the contrary nature of starts. They present the biggest friction while being the biggest opportunity. When we ride a bicycle, the hardest peddle is the first push off. Once we are moving the effort needed to peddle is low.

Yet, the beginning of ‘anything’ is one of the biggest factors to doing ‘anything’ well. Lisa Kahn, Economist and teacher from Yale researched data of white men entering the workforce from 1979 to 1989 (The Long Term Labour Market Consequences of Graduating from College in a Bad Economy). What she found was fascinating. Those graduating during an economic downturn earned less in their entry level jobs and often took two decades to catch up to those entering into work during high-growth times. There was a 20% difference in some cases marked by this one difference in timing.

This shows that timing is important, and one thing about timing is to understand ‘starting well’ is a significant factor. It sets us up for a strong period and increases the chances of hitting goals and having a fruitful period. As we enter the new year, it may be worth thinking about how to have good starts:

How can I ease the friction on my first day/week into work after the holidays?

What will make my January sing?

How can I make sure my Monday’s rock?

What is the best way to use my mornings?

Sometimes, things are out of our hands when it comes to timing, like the folks entering the work force during the Covid era. But, for leaders, we can utilise this knowledge to set up good starts for ourselves and those around us.