Two More Reasons It’s Hard to Start
A gentle look at energy, emotions, and outside expectations
In this series, we’ve been exploring why it can be so hard to start—whether you’re trying to begin again, start something new, or build from scratch.
We’ve already talked about things like perfectionism, fear of the unknown, and overthinking.
But there are two more common, and often overlooked, roadblocks to beginning:
- Lack of energy or emotional bandwidth
- External pressure and expectations
These two aren’t about fear or indecision—they’re about capacity and context.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. When You’re Too Tired to Start
(Lack of Energy or Emotional Bandwidth)
There are seasons when your inner battery is just… drained.
You might be:
- Holding space for everyone else
- Managing chronic stress or grief
- Feeling emotionally burned out or physically depleted
Even if you want to start something, you may not feel like you can—and that doesn’t make you weak.
It makes you human.
How to Move Through This Gently:
- Start with rest.
Restoration isn’t a reward—it’s a requirement for clarity and movement. - Lower the bar, kindly.
Let yourself do the minimum right now. Even small actions (like writing down one idea or organizing one thing) are movement. - Ask what would feel life-giving, not just “productive.”
Often the path forward becomes clearer when you stop trying to force energy you don’t have.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is give yourself permission to pause and fill your cup first.
2. When Outside Voices Get Loud
(External Pressures or Expectations)
Sometimes you do know what you want—but outside opinions make you second guess it.
Maybe you feel like your choice would:
- Disappoint someone
- Be misunderstood
- Seem selfish, risky, or “not practical”
This can create a paralyzing tension between your truth and someone else’s approval.
How to Gently Re-Center:
- Return to your values.
What matters to you more than being understood? - Try asking: “If no one else had an opinion, what would I choose?”
That one question can unlock a surprising amount of clarity. - Take one private step.
You don’t have to announce or explain your direction right away. Just begin quietly, for you.
You are allowed to want something—even if others don’t get it yet.
A Final Encouragement
You are not lazy, behind, or broken.
If you’re tired or tangled in outside expectations, that’s a tender place to be.
It takes courage to honor your energy.
It takes courage to honor your truth.
It takes courage to begin from right where you are.
Reflection for Your Heart
Where do I need rest before I begin?
What’s one small step I can take for me—not for anyone else?
You’re allowed to move slowly.
You’re allowed to begin with softness.
And you’re allowed to begin again—whenever you’re ready.
—Laura