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Why is it so difficult to believe in ourselves and just make things happen? There's definitely not just one answer -- but today, we're diving into each one and flipping them on their heads so you can take the next step forward.
The First Barrier: Not Feeling Ready
A big reason people struggle to believe in themselves and get things started -- myself included -- is because they don't feel ready. But here's the truth: ready isn't a feeling.
That "perfect" moment or "perfect" set of circumstances you've been waiting for? They're never going to arrive. In order to reach those moments, you have to do the thing you've been hesitating on first.
When I started my podcast almost three years ago, I was absolutely NOT ready. I used it as a deliberate challenge -- to push my consistency and my confidence in my own voice. Even without tremendous growth just yet, it's still something I genuinely look forward to putting together every single week.
The Challenge: Whatever you've been holding off on -- take that next step. Once you get into the momentum of it, you will keep working toward your ultimate goal.
The Second Barrier: Done Is Better Than Perfect
Many people think they need everything perfectly planned before they can begin. But if you have a full life -- a job, responsibilities, family -- it's highly unlikely you'll have your idea mapped out to a 'T.' And that's completely fine.
Take that first step. Make the first item. Post it for sale. Don't let yourself get paralyzed by the logistics pf perfect listing photos or a flawless website. The act of getting something out into the world creates momentum that keeps you moving.
As your business grows and reaches more people, that's when you refine the small details. But you have to begin first. If you find yourself truly stuck in perfectionism, it's worth exploring what perspective shift needs to happen to free yourself from it.
The Third Barrier: Imposter Syndrome
Another huge reason people struggle to believe in themselves is imposter syndrome -- and social media makes it dramatically worse. We have almost unlimited access to people's highlight reels, with very few sharing their full stories.
When you're constantly comparing yourself to the polished wins you see online, it's easy to feel discouraged -- especially if you're just getting started.
Consider limiting your time on social media while you're building your idea. Gaining inspiration from others is one thing; putting yourself down for comparing your Chapter 1 to someone else's Chapter 100 is another entirely.
Remember: Everyone's timeline looks different. Focus on your strengths and your uniqueness to build the best brand, business, or idea you've been holding back. Someday, your wins might be exactly the inspiration someone else needs to take their first steps.
You believed in Santa Claus for 7 years. Why can't you believe in yourself for 15 minutes?
The Reframe: Believing In Santa Claus
If we could, as children, fully believe that Santa Claus was real -- why can't we, as adults, believe in our own capabilities? The logic is almost funny when you lay it out like that.
Whatever idea you've been wanting to pursue, chances are it's something you've already dabbled in. Even more likely, it's something you're actually good at -- and genuinely enjoy. That's not nothing. That's a foundation.
The Practice: Start An Evidence Journal
If you take nothing else away from this, try this: start an evidence journal. Instead of comparing yourself to others online, compare yourself to you.
Write down every win you've had -- whether or not it's related to your current idea. Big ones, small ones. All of them count. Then take a real, hard look at everything you've accomplished. Feel the weight of those moments. Remember what it felt like to succeed.
Now it's time to add one more entry.
The next win is waiting for you -- you just have to start!
Before You Go
Even if you're still struggling to believe in yourself right now, just know this -- I believe in you. You have everything it takes to take that next step and start the journey you've been holding off on.
You never know, it might just change your entire life into everything you've been dreaming of.
Believe in yourself -- it's the most powerful thing you can do!
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