Until we start something, nothing will change. This is true for every aspect of our lives – personal life, career, business, and all types of relationships. All advances, great or small, require us to start. Yet, taking that first step can be hard or scary. And it always requires us to move past the safety of the status quo. To take the critical first step, we have to get past the barriers to starting. Here are seven barriers to starting anything, and how we can overcome them.
Fear of Failure
If we are afraid we will fail, we can easily talk ourselves out of starting. To overcome this barrier, ask yourself – What is the worst thing that could happen? Then compare that to the value the project could have. Often, simply putting the possible failure into perspective can help. You can also look for ways to reduce the likelihood of that failure. Reducing that initial fear makes it easier to start.
Lack of a Clear Purpose
A clear picture of why we want the project to succeed increases our internal motivation to get started! Focus on the benefits the activity will provide you to get past your comfort with the status quo.
Overwhelm
When we feel overwhelmed with everything we have to do, we will hesitate to start something else. This is understandable, and perhaps even wise. But if the project is important or can have a big positive impact, delays could be detrimental. The cure is to reprioritize the other things on your plate. Evaluate this new idea or project against your current obligations to determine which is more valuable. Then, if appropriate, shift time, resources, and focus to give yourself the space to start the new project.
Unclear Steps
If what you need to do to complete the new project isn’t clear to you exactly, make a plan. In fact, this plan (which can help you break down the big tasks into smaller ones) is actually starting! Even if you can’t map a complete plan to the end of the situation, you can identify the first few steps. This will help you get over the mental barrier and start.
Perfectionism
Without question, having a plan is important. However, feeling that the plan must be perfect is one reason we procrastinate and don’t take the first step. If you find yourself continuing to rework and rethink the plan, perfectionism might be your problem. Recognize that in a complex and changing world, you can’t foresee everything that might occur. Have a solid overall plan, then trust yourself to adapt as needed. Letting go of the need for the perfect plan (or the perfect execution) reduces a major barrier to starting.
Distractions
Sometimes, we don’t start because we get distracted by other things or activities in our lives. Social media and excessive binge watching are just two examples. Compare the benefits you get from your distractions to the benefits of starting (and completing) the endeavor. You may find that starting that new thing will bring you more satisfaction, joy, and success than your distractions.
Lack of Support, Resources, or Knowledge
Sometimes, we don’t start because we don’t think we have the skills, ability, experience (etc.!) to start. That might be true, or it might be your overactive self-doubt talking. Regardless, your confidence will grow when you are willing to ask for help and seek out the information you need. More tools makes it easier to start.
I’ve described these barriers to starting – and they are all real. All these things can help us, regardless of the size or scope of the project ahead. I’d love to hear what other tools you use to break down your barriers to starting. Leave a comment below!
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