How to Move Past What Holds You Back from Starting
If you’ve ever wondered why it feels so hard to begin—again, new, or over—you’re not alone.
In an earlier post, I shared the most common reasons we struggle to start:
- Perfectionism
- Fear of the unknown
- Past disappointments
- Overthinking
Today, let’s explore gentle ways to move past each of these roadblocks.
Perfectionism
Why it shows up:
Perfectionism is the voice that says, “If it isn’t flawless, it isn’t worth doing.”
It keeps you stuck in planning, revising, or never beginning.
How to move past it:
- Practice “good enough.” Choose one tiny action you can complete imperfectly.
- Set time limits. Give yourself a window (like 30 minutes) to start without over-editing.
- Remind yourself: Progress matters more than perfection.
Fear of the Unknown
Why it shows up:
Your brain prefers familiarity—even when it isn’t good for you. The unknown feels risky.
How to move past it:
- Focus on the next step—not the whole path.
- Ground yourself in your values. What matters more than certainty?
- Ask: What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best?
Past Disappointments
Why it shows up:
If you’ve tried before and it didn’t work, your mind wants to protect you from more pain.
How to move past it:
- Acknowledge your courage. You tried. That matters.
- Separate the past from the present. This is a new moment.
- Remind yourself: You have learned and grown.
Overthinking
Why it shows up:
Overthinking gives the illusion of control. But staying in your head delays action.
How to move past it:
- Set a deadline to start. Even 5 minutes of action is a beginning.
- Limit information gathering. One resource is often enough to take the first step.
- Use this mantra: “Clarity comes through action.”
A Gentle Closing
You don’t have to conquer every obstacle before you begin.
You just have to take one step—no matter how small—and trust that it counts.
Reflection for Your Heart
Which of these roadblocks feels most familiar to me?
What is one gentle step I can take to move forward today?
You are capable of beginning.
You are worthy of what comes next.
—Laura