Suppose you’ve ever set a goal, such as learning a new language, starting a business, or simply cleaning out your garage. In that case, you probably know about that peculiar gap between deciding what you want and actually taking action. For many people, the idea phase is easy. It’s fun to imagine the possibilities and picture what life could be like if they followed through. But when it comes time to start, suddenly it’s like walking through quicksand. The energy fizzles, and you end up scrolling social media or making excuses instead of acting. So, what’s going on here? Why do people find it so hard to start?
The Psychology Behind Hesitation
At the heart of the struggle to start something new is how our brains work. Most people envision themselves tackling a new project with great enthusiasm. But your brain’s main job is to keep you safe and comfortable. To your mind, anything new is also unpredictable. It’s way easier to convince yourself to stick to what you know, even if what you know isn’t getting you anywhere close to your goals.
For example, when I think about finally setting foot in a gym, I’m super motivated, at least at first. But then the uncertainty creeps in. What if I look silly? What if I do something wrong? Before I know it, my brain wraps me up in a cozy blanket of excuses, and I promise myself I’ll “start tomorrow.” Over time, that cycle repeats, and nothing changes.
Common Reasons People Don’t Start
There are a handful of reasons that show up again and again when people talk about why they haven’t started something, even when it’s something they really want.
- Fear of Failure: It’s pretty common to freeze up when you imagine failing before you even get started. The possibility of messing up can be enough to keep you glued in place.
- Overthinking: Some individuals become stuck in a cycle of planning, researching, or worrying about every detail. They never feel “ready enough” to take action.
- Perfectionism: If you need everything to be flawless from day one, you’ll find it almost impossible to make that crucial first move.
- Lack of Clarity: Not knowing exactly what the first step should be makes it easier to do nothing at all. Vague goals are easy to ignore.
- Procrastination: This one’s a classic. You intend to act, but constantly push it off for “later.”
- Low Motivation or Disinterest: If a goal doesn’t really fire you up or feels forced, it can be tough to get moving.
How These Barriers Show Up in Real Life
I find it really helpful to think about these excuses in everyday situations. For example, someone who wants to start a new network marketing business might delay the process by endlessly researching products, waiting for the “perfect” time, or worrying about what friends and family will think.
Or, maybe you want to start running, but you keep putting it off until you have the right shoes, the right playlist, or just the “right mood.” Those are all ways your brain tries to save you from potential discomfort or rejection. But in doing so, you never give yourself a chance to win.
Practical Steps to Actually Get Started
It’s surprisingly simple to trick your mind into movement if you break down the process into small enough steps. Here are a few practical steps that have worked for me and a lot of others:
- Break It Down: Chop your goal into tiny, non-scary pieces. If your goal is to write a book, decide to write for five minutes today, no more. Removing the pressure encourages action.
- Set Reachable Goals: Especially in network marketing, setting small, clear, and reachable targets works better than chasing huge outcomes. Committing to message one new person a day feels doable. Trying to recruit 100 people at once doesn’t.
- Decide on Your First Step, Then Do It Instantly: Don’t wait for “motivation” to show up. Often, acting is what wakes up your motivation, not the other way around.
- Lower the Stakes in Your Mind: Remind yourself that you don’t have to get it right at first. Starting puts you ahead; trying to be perfect before you begin keeps you stuck.
- Use the Two-Minute Rule: If something will take two minutes or less, do it immediately. Answer one message, put on your workout clothes, turn on your computer, whatever nudges you forward.
Things to Remember: Mindset Makes a Difference
You don’t need willpower made of steel to start. More often, you need the right mindset and a few tricks to nudge you over that first little hurdle. Here are a couple of things I remind myself of all the time:
- Action Creates Courage: Most people think that you find courage and then take action, but it usually works the other way around. Once you take action, things become less scary.
- It’s Normal to Feel Uncomfortable: If you feel nervous, it doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path. You’re simply stretching your comfort zone.
- You Don’t Need Full Clarity: Sometimes clarity appears after you start walking, not before. Taking steps reveals the path, not the other way around.
The Role of Goals in Getting Started
Having a clear goal is really important, especially if you’re interested in something like network marketing. It helps to have a specific, achievable goal, such as securing your first product sale or booking your first meeting. This gives you something concrete to focus on, making measuring progress much easier. If you set goals that feel reasonable, you’re way more likely to take that first step.
I’ve seen many people quit network marketing (or any new project) simply because they aimed too high too soon, became discouraged, and decided it “wasn’t for them.” If your first goal is to reach out to five people about your opportunity, you’ll have a way higher success rate. Little wins build momentum, and momentum is what gets you moving.
Common Hurdles and How to Get Around Them
- Worrying What Others Think: This one trips people up all the time. The truth is, everyone’s too busy wondering about their own stuff to focus on your efforts. Push past the embarrassment by focusing on your goal, not outside opinions.
- Feeling Overwhelmed: It’s normal to feel like you don’t even know where to begin. Instead of letting the big picture paralyze you, zoom in and start somewhere.
- Lack of Accountability: If nobody knows about your plans, it’s easy to abandon them. Telling a supportive friend or joining a community with the same goals can give you the push you need.
- Comparing Yourself to Others: Social media makes it look like everyone has it all together already, but everyone started somewhere. Focus on your starting line, not someone else’s highlight reel.
Valuable Tips for Building Confidence and Momentum
Building up even a little bit of progress makes it much easier to keep going. Here are some great ways I’ve found to build momentum and hold myself accountable:
- Please keepprovides an extra nudge to stay committed Track of Progress: Write down each small win, no matter how minor it seems. This grows your confidence over time.
- Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcomes: Reward yourself just for taking action, even if all you did today was take one tiny step.
- Adjust as You Go: If something really isn’t working, tweak your plan instead of quitting entirely. Flexibility helps you learn without judgment.
- Find an Accountability Buddy: Whether it’s a coach, a partner, or an online group, sharing your intentions out loud provides an extra nudge to stay committed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting
People often face similar questions when getting started. Here are a few I hear all the time, along with my honest thoughts on them.
Question: What if I try and fail?
Answer: Failing isn’t as final as it seems. Every attempt provides you with more information for your next try. The only real way to fail is never to start at all.
Question: How do I know if my goal is reachable?
Answer: If your goal is clear and you’ve got steps you can act on in the next few days, you’re on the right track. If it feels too huge, try shrinking it down.
Question: Why do I always put things off until later?
Answer: Most people deal with this. Sometimes it’s fear, sometimes you need a break, and sometimes you just haven’t broken things down small enough yet.
Extra Ideas for Pushing Through the Starting Line
If you want an extra boost to help you move from intention to action, try finding “start rituals.” For instance, if your goal is to write more, always brew a cup of tea and sit at your desk at the same time each day. Creating a simple ritual can help your brain understand, “Now it’s time to start.” Another trick is to share your intention on social media or with friends. Even a casual post about your goal can spark helpful conversations and add just enough extra accountability to nudge you forward. And remember, nobody is perfect—most people struggle to start. There’s strength in being honest about it and celebrating any step, no matter how small.
Final Thoughts on Overcoming the Hurdle
Getting started isn’t about being fearless or the most disciplined person around. It’s about recognizing the standard blocks, using a few clever tricks to lower the stakes, and being kind to yourself as you make progress. If you focus on clear, reachable goals and keep taking those small steps, you’ll be surprised at how easily action can become a habit. That first step may feel tough, but it’s the one that makes everything else possible. Over time, becoming someone who gets started can become second nature, and you’ll look back amazed at what you were able to accomplish by simply moving forward—one small action at a time.
Still feeling stuck? Watch this video for a little extra push. Cleaning out your garage, you probably know about that peculiar gap between deciding what you want and actually taking action
