The journey begins: Tackling the blocks to progress
If you’re ready for change or want to start a new project, entrepreneurial business, or any type of focused activity, then we need to address something: Why have you not started yet?
It’s important to delve beneath the surface of this if we expect to get unstuck and in motion any time soon. There are many unique and individual reasons why we suppress our desires, box up our dreams—essentially delaying the start. Many of these reasons have debilitating effects on our success, freedom, and happiness. They cause suffering and, furthermore, hold us back from fulfilling our purpose and potential in life.
Once we begin to understand what is truly beneath the lack of launch and momentum regarding new endeavors or beginnings, we can take empowered steps—both inner and outer—to turn things around for the better. Here are a few pointers to get you started on getting started!
Block/obstacle no. 1: What will people think?
The only opinion that truly matters is your own. However, the bigger the dream, change, or goal, the more likely doubt and fear will creep in. It’s rare to find someone who has never struggled with this on some level, so don’t beat yourself up.
The best thing to do during these times is to cocoon and self-protect. You are likely to be vulnerable due to the changes, extra load, and the inner rewiring required to undertake such a feat. Yes, it’s a mammoth task to create lasting and joyful change—whether you are practiced at it or not—so putting yourself out of reach of negative words, judgments, or influences is paramount.
The last thing you need is someone fueling your doubts, causing you to second-guess yourself, or tempting you to quit before you even start. Prepare yourself and your environment through self-care, mindset training, and anything else that supports your journey. Organize your inner circle to include people who uplift and support you, and finally, let go of those who don’t share your vision or drive for success and positive change.
Block/obstacle no. 2: I’m not ready
Regardless of how strong the desire, inspiration, or even desperation to change something or level up in life or business, there’s a lie most humans have been fed since birth that has been adopted as truth—and it’s killing dreams all over the planet:
“I’m not good enough.” “I don’t have enough qualifications.” “I don’t have enough money, equipment, or time.”
If we take all these social innuendos at face value, we would never progress or break free from our limitations. I know in your mind this can feel like the truth, and for some, who may not have freedom or health as a luxury, real-life circumstances can be truly debilitating. But in your heart, you will know how honest you are being with yourself.
We often wait for conditions to be perfect before we begin because we fear chaos or imperfection. But progress is born out of chaos, and right now, you have never been more ready to take the first step toward change or upgrading.
Start where you are, with the resources you have, and with the time you can segment each day. Blocks and obstacles are crushed through action, so what small piece of action could you take today to get started?
Block/obstacle no. 3: It’s too complicated, I feel overwhelmed
The reason we get overwhelmed is that we try to run before we can walk, which keeps us stuck and debilitated. Our mind races ahead, wanting all the details and results on the table before we even begin.
Changing our approach and simplifying the plan will instantly relieve pressure. There’s no room for perfectionism if you can’t even start in the first place. Look at what you want to create or change, and check in with your ideas or plan:
Success isn’t measured by having the best business plan, the perfect diet and exercise regime, the most impressive tech setup, or a fancy website. Success is measured by results. If you haven’t started, then results won’t happen anytime soon!
Fancy logos, intricate training systems, outside investments, shop fronts, or websites all take time—and more importantly, they require a certain mindset and inner strength to bring to fruition. Momentum breeds momentum.
Start with the smallest steps, even if they feel insignificant. Those tiny steps will provide clarity, inspiration, and motivation to continue in the right direction.
Shape the key to overcoming these blocks is to recognize them for what they are—excuses rooted in fear, perfectionism, and self-doubt. Take the first step today, no matter how small. Your progress begins the moment you decide to start.