The Fear of Starting: How to Begin Before You're Ready
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This week’s:
Affirmation: I embrace the courage to start, knowing that every step I take brings me closer to growth and greatness.
Quote: Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command – Napoleon Hill
Podcast: How to launch & grow a business in 3 months: Cass DiMicco on the power of mindset & cold emails on Working Hard, Hardly Working
The Fear of Starting: How to Begin Before You're Ready
Fear is one of the biggest barriers between us and the great work we aspire to do. It whispers doubts, amplifies risks, and immobilises action. But here’s the thing: this fear isn’t baseless. Starting something new—a project, a business, or even a new chapter in life—often begins with uncertainty and imperfection. And for many, the thought of those early, awkward steps is paralysing.
If you’ve ever been afraid to start, know this: you’re not alone. It’s a universal experience. But what separates those who create something meaningful from those who don’t is their ability to push through the fear.
Let’s unpack what causes this fear, how to overcome it, and small steps you can take to start—even when it feels daunting.
Why Are We So Afraid to Start?
Fear is a natural response to uncertainty. When we’re about to step into the unknown, our brain signals potential danger, even if the risk is minimal. This fear can stem from several sources:
Fear of Failure The thought of failing can feel like a personal rejection. We equate our self-worth with our success, and failure feels like confirmation of inadequacy.
Fear of Judgment “What will people think?” is a question that’s probably held you back at some point. The fear of criticism or embarrassment can keep us from sharing our ideas.
Perfectionism We often think our work needs to be perfect from the start. But great work rarely looks impressive in its early stages. Perfectionism tricks us into believing that if we can’t get it right immediately, we shouldn’t even try.
Fear of the Unknown Venturing into new territory—a new industry, a new skill, or a new role—feels overwhelming. The more unfamiliar it is, the scarier it seems.
How to Overcome the Fear
Fear doesn’t disappear on its own, but it can be managed. Here are strategies to help you face it head-on:
Shift Your Perspective on Failure Failure isn’t the end—it’s a step on the path to success. Every failed attempt teaches you something valuable. Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as part of the process. Ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen? Often, the answer isn’t as catastrophic as your mind imagines.
Start Small Big goals can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable steps. Taking the first step—no matter how small—builds momentum and reduces fear.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection You don’t need to get it perfect; you just need to get it started. Allow yourself to create something imperfect and refine it later. Done is better than perfect.
Detach from Other People’s Opinions Remind yourself that people are often too focused on their own lives to scrutinise yours. Plus, the people who matter will support you, not criticise you. Trust your instincts.
Visualise Success Picture yourself succeeding in what you want to do. Visualisation can help you build confidence and reframe your fear as excitement.
Practice Self-Compassion Be kind to yourself. Everyone starts somewhere. Give yourself the grace to begin as a beginner.
Starting Is a Practice
Action is the antidote to fear. The more you do something, the less intimidating it becomes. Starting is like a muscle you strengthen over time. Repetition builds confidence and competence.
This is true for anyone—even the most successful people. For example, best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell popularized the "10,000-hour rule," which suggests that mastery comes from consistent practice over time. If you’re scared to start, remind yourself that even the experts began as amateurs. They practiced their way to greatness, and so can you.
Small Steps to Start
Take One Action Today What’s one small thing you can do right now to move closer to your goal? Maybe it’s writing the first sentence of an email, brainstorming ideas, or signing up for a class.
Create a "Minimum Viable" Version If you’re working on a project, focus on creating the simplest version. For instance, if you’re writing, draft an outline instead of a polished piece. If you’re starting a business, build a basic prototype.
Set a Timer Dedicate just 10 minutes to your task. Starting for a short amount of time can help you overcome the inertia of doing nothing.
Track Your Progress Celebrate small wins. Progress—no matter how small—fuels motivation.
A Personal Note on Fear and Starting
Right now, I’m in the midst of starting a completely new venture. It has taken longer than I hoped, and I’ve been moving slower than I would like. Why? Because I’ve been afraid.
This venture is in a completely different industry than my background in finance. Questions like What if I’m not cut out for this? or What if I fail? have crossed my mind more times than I’d like to admit. And yes, the thought of what others might think has also crept in.
But here’s what I’ve realised: I’m letting fear control a narrative that hasn’t even been written yet. The truth is, no one else’s opinions matter as much as my own. This is something I feel deeply called to do. It feels authentic and true to who I am. Why should I let fear or the opinions of others hold me back?
Every day, I try to remind myself of this: the biggest step is starting. You don’t need to have all the answers. You’ll figure things out as you go. The key is to take action—even imperfect action—and trust that the dots will connect in the end.
Closing Thoughts
Imagine if you could turn off the fear of making something imperfect. Imagine how much more you’d accomplish, how much more joy you’d experience, and how much more confidence you’d build.
Fear is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to stop you. Starting something new is never easy, but the rewards far outweigh the discomfort of those early steps. So, take a deep breath and begin. The world is waiting for your contribution.
ICYMI
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