Think Less, Just Start : Overcoming The Hurdles of Taking the First Step

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

Taking the first step is often the most daunting challenge. Just like a crawling baby, every parent eagerly anticipates that pivotal moment when their child finally stands and takes those uncertain first steps. It’s a mix of apprehension, fearing they might stumble, and exhilaration, as they witness their child embarking on a journey of growth.

For what feels like ages, I’ve been toying around the idea of diving into coaching, training, or professional speaking. Empowering people to reach their fullest potential isn’t just a dream; it’s what drives me daily. It’s a passion I would pursue relentlessly, even if money were no object. I can picture myself at 100, still cheering people on, because to me, there’s no greater reward than helping people thrive and grow.

As passionate as I am about this dream, my fears are equally intense. The daunting question of where and how to begin has often left me paralyzed by self-doubt. Overwhelmed by fear, I’ve hesitated between wanting to start and worrying about my qualifications or skills. What if I’m not cut out for this? What if no one listens? Worst of all, what if I have nothing meaningful to say? These uncertainties have held me back, preventing me from taking that crucial first step forward.

I realized that these WHAT IF’s are my dream-killers.

SELF DOUBT – “What if I’m not cut out for this?”
The moment I decide to take that leap, impostor syndrome kicks in. The path ahead seems unclear, leaving me unsure of where to start or how to proceed. It’s easy to question my abilities, resources, and whether my goals are even achievable. These doubts can lead to hesitation and inaction, amplifying the impostor syndrome we often feel.

PERFECTIONISM – “What if I have nothing meaningful to say?”
I’ve always struggled with the need to have everything perfectly planned or executed from the start. This fear of not being perfect often leads to overthinking. The more I try to iron out every detail and anticipate every step, the more it prevents me from taking action. The more I worry about potential mistakes, the less likely I am to make a move at all.

FEAR OF FAILURE – “What if no one listens?”
Ultimately, my need for perfection and my self-doubt stem from my deepest fear—the fear of failure. Many people hesitate to start because they fear they might fail. The thought of not succeeding or making mistakes can be both intimidating and discouraging. Instead of facing potential disappointment, it’s often easier to avoid trying altogether. But by not trying, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to grow and succeed. The real failure is in never taking that first step.

Just as we use Google Maps to find our way to a destination, it’s crucial to set our starting point and re-center when we get lost. Similarly, recognizing these obstacles—self-doubt, perfectionism, and fear of failure—is the first step toward overcoming them. While they may seem overwhelming, I’ve realized that to move past these barriers, I need to shift my mindset and take intentional actions. By doing so, I can transform these dream-killers into stepping stones: Ready, Set, Go!

Ready – Overcoming Self-Doubt:
Get prepared by building confidence and self-belief.  To combat my self-doubt, I need to take the time to prepare myself mentally and emotionally. One way to do this is by acknowledging my strengths and reminding myself of past successes. It’s also important for me to seek out knowledge and skills that can bolster my confidence. By being ready, I reduce uncertainty and build a strong foundation to begin my journey.

Set – Tackling Perfectionism:
Set realistic goals and take manageable steps. Perfectionism can be paralyzing for me, so it’s crucial that I set realistic expectations and break tasks into smaller, achievable steps. I should focus on progress rather than perfection. It’s also important to remember the value of embracing my imperfections and allowing myself to make mistakes and learn from them. Recognize that starting doesn’t require perfection. Accept that initial efforts may not be flawless, but they are crucial steps toward improvement and learning. By setting clear, attainable goals, I create a pathway to action and reduce the pressure to be flawless from the start.

Go – Conquering Fear of Failure:
Take action and embrace the learning process. Fear of failure often holds me back, but I know the only way to overcome it is to TAKE ACTION. It’s crucial to accept that mistakes and setbacks are part of the journey. From here on, I should be prepared to embrace the learning process and view each step as a valuable experience. As I push myself to start, another important step is to seek support and feedback. Surrounding myself with a supportive network or mentorship lessens the fear. Sharing my aspirations and progress with others can offer encouragement, guidance, and constructive feedback, helping to build my confidence and momentum.

By going forward despite my fears, I build resilience and open myself up to the possibility of success.

As I reflect on overcoming self-doubt, perfectionism, and the fear of failure, I am reminded of the words from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse assures me that with God’s strength, I can face any challenge, take the first step, and continue each stride moving forward, transforming obstacles into opportunities. By embracing readiness, setting achievable goals, and boldly stepping forward despite my fears, I am empowered to pursue my dreams with confidence. With faith as my foundation, I trust in God’s guidance and provision, knowing that He is with me every step of the way. As I journey onward, filled with hope and determination, I am ready to embrace the path ahead with courage and faith.