It all started with a blank page. Actually, it was an empty Google Doc staring back at me with the kind of quiet judgment only a blinking cursor can convey. I’d been meaning to write an article for weeks. Scratch that—months. But every time I tried to start, I convinced myself that the idea wasn’t good enough, the timing wasn’t right, or that maybe I should “research” just a little more. It was classic overthinking in action, and it had me stuck.
Sound familiar?
We all have that one thing we want to do but can’t seem to get off the ground. Maybe it’s starting a fitness routine, launching a side project, or finally organizing that chaotic closet. Whatever the task, there’s a mental barrier between where we are and where we want to be. The good news? Breaking through isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.
Here’s what I learned about getting started, even when everything feels daunting.
When “Ready” Never Comes
I used to believe there was a perfect moment to start something. A time when all the stars aligned, my to-do list was empty, and my energy was limitless. Spoiler: that moment doesn’t exist. Life doesn’t pause so you can gather yourself—it keeps moving, and so should you.
I realized this during a conversation with a friend who told me, “If you wait until you’re ready, you’ll be waiting forever.” It hit me like a ton of bricks. All the time I’d spent planning and over-preparing was just another form of procrastination disguised as productivity. The truth is, you don’t have to feel ready to take the first step. You just have to take it.
Progress, Not Perfection
A few weeks ago, I dusted off an old yoga mat and decided to try a workout video I’d been avoiding for months. Within five minutes, I was sweating and falling out of poses like a beginner—which, to be fair, I was. Normally, I’d feel embarrassed or frustrated, but this time was different. I wasn’t aiming for perfection; I was just proud to show up.
That’s the thing about starting: it’s messy, uncomfortable, and rarely Instagram-worthy. But every shaky step forward is still a step in the right direction. Once I embraced the idea that progress matters more than perfection, I found the courage to tackle other tasks I’d been avoiding. The beauty of doing something imperfectly is that you’re doing it at all.
The Small Wins Add Up
Another breakthrough came when I stopped focusing on the finish line and started celebrating the small victories along the way. When I finally drafted that article (yes, the one from the blank Google Doc), I didn’t worry about making it perfect. My goal was simple: write 200 words. Then 300. Then 400.
By the end of the day, I had a messy draft—but it was a draft. And finishing that draft gave me the confidence to edit, improve, and eventually hit “publish.” Each little win was proof that I could keep going.
When you focus on achievable goals, you build momentum. Maybe it’s five minutes of journaling, one closet shelf cleaned, or one lap around the block. Each step reminds you that you’re capable of more than you thought.
Let Go of the “Perfect Plan”
Here’s a confession: I love planning. There’s something satisfying about color-coded calendars and neatly organized checklists. But there’s a dark side to planning, too—it’s easy to mistake planning for doing.
I’ve learned to treat plans as guidelines, not gospel. They’re helpful, but they shouldn’t become a crutch that keeps you from taking action. Sometimes, the best way forward is to dive in and figure things out as you go. It’s okay to pivot, stumble, and adjust. The important thing is that you’re moving forward, not standing still.
Start Small, Start Now
If there’s one takeaway I hope you remember, it’s this: just start. Start messy, start scared, start unsure. The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important.
The funny thing is, once you begin, the thing that felt so intimidating often loses its power. That blank page becomes a paragraph, the workout becomes a habit, and the project you’ve been dreading becomes an accomplishment you’re proud of.
So, what’s one thing you’ve been putting off? If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it. Take the leap, even if it’s a tiny one. You might surprise yourself with how far you can go.
