Almost every week, someone comes to me with a great idea or a big project they want to tackle. Sometimes they’re excited, sometimes a little anxious—but no matter how ready they feel, what happens next varies. Some dive right in. Others… freeze.
We’ve all been there. My personal brand of procrastination usually involves popcorn, organizing things that don’t really need organizing, and scrolling Google News “for just a second.” For most of us, putting things off isn’t about laziness—it’s about overwhelm. We tell ourselves it’s going to be hard, expensive, or confusing. But more often than not, that’s just perception.
If you’re stalled on something important, here are six ways to gently get yourself moving again:
1. Decide what you actually need to know.
Some projects require full understanding. Others? Not so much. Take setting up an email platform like Mailchimp. If tech isn’t your thing, consider getting help with the setup—you can still manage it just fine later. You don’t need to master every tool to use it well.
2. Ask: What’s missing?
Do you need more information, or do you already have it and just haven’t taken a good look? If something’s missing, make a plan to get it. If it’s all there, review everything in one place so you can see the big picture and feel more confident.
3. Limit outside opinions.
It’s great to get feedback, but too much of it can lead to decision paralysis. Ask people whose expertise you trust. When it comes to conveying a certain message, I listen to my tech writer, not my friend who once made a yard sale poster for the local library bulletin board. Less noise, more clarity.
4. Break it into small parts.
Big projects like redesigning a website can feel overwhelming. So break it down. Start with just the homepage. What goes there? A photo, a few links, a testimonial? When you name the pieces, the puzzle gets easier to solve.
5. Write it down.
Trying to remember everything will just slow you down. Take the time to map out your plan—step by step. It keeps the mental clutter at bay and helps you make real progress.
6. Let go of perfect.
Don’t wait until it’s flawless. Start where you are and polish as you go. You’ll learn, adjust, and improve along the way—and that’s how real momentum builds.
Starting is often the hardest part. But once you do, the rest gets easier. Use these gentle nudges to shift out of stuck mode and into action—because your ideas deserve to make it past the “someday” stage.
Thinking about your next big move? I can help you turn ideas into action. Schedule your free 30-minute call.