The Mental Block of Starting

You know the feeling.

You want to start something new—launch a business, get in shape, write that book—but something holds you back. The excitement is there, but so is the hesitation. The hardest part? Taking that first step.

But here’s the truth: Starting doesn’t have to be so hard.

If you can master the art of beginning, everything else flows naturally. Momentum builds. Progress happens. Success becomes inevitable.

Here are six battle-tested ways to make starting anything feel effortless.

1. Break It Down into Micro-Tasks

Big goals feel overwhelming because we see them as a massive, single entity. The trick? Shrink the task until it feels impossible not to start.

Want to start exercising? Forget the one-hour gym session. Just focus on putting on your workout clothes.

Want to write a book? Forget writing 1,000 words. Just type out one sentence.

Micro-tasks eliminate the resistance that comes from thinking too big. Once you begin, the next step feels easier.

Your Move: Identify your goal. Break it down into the smallest possible action you can take right now.

2. Commit to Just 5 Minutes

Tell yourself: I’ll only do this for five minutes.

No pressure. No commitment beyond that. Just five minutes of effort.

What happens next? You start. And once you start, you almost always keep going. That’s the magic of momentum.

Struggling to start writing? Write for five minutes. Want to learn a new skill? Practice for five minutes. Need to tackle a project? Work on it for five minutes.

Starting small removes the fear of commitment and gets you moving.

Your Move: Pick a task you've been avoiding. Set a timer for five minutes and start.

3. Visualize the End Result

We procrastinate because we focus on the pain of the task rather than the reward of completion.

Flip the script.

Instead of dreading the workout, imagine how strong you’ll feel after it. Instead of fearing failure in business, picture the freedom and impact success will bring.

Your brain needs a reason to start. Give it one.

Your Move: Take 30 seconds to visualize how good it will feel once you’ve completed your task.

4. Set a Deadline

Too much time = procrastination.

When there’s no urgency, starting gets pushed further and further away. Set a clear deadline to force action.

Want to start learning a new skill? Give yourself 24 hours to complete the first lesson.

Need to launch a business? Set a deadline to finalize your idea by next week.

Deadlines eliminate hesitation and create forward motion.

Your Move: Pick something you’ve been delaying. Set a non-negotiable deadline for your first action.

5. Lower the Barrier to Entry

Make starting as easy as possible.

• Want to read more? Place the book on your pillow.

• Want to start writing? Open a blank doc before bed.

• Want to eat healthier? Prepare meals in advance.

We often don’t start because the first step feels inconvenient. Remove friction, and action becomes effortless.

Your Move: Identify one habit or goal. What’s one simple thing you can do today to remove friction?

6. Get Accountability

People perform better when they know someone is watching.

Tell a friend your goal. Join a community. Hire a coach. Make your commitment public.

If you know someone will check in on your progress, you’re far more likely to take action.

Your Move: Pick a goal. Tell someone about it. Ask them to follow up with you in a week.

The First Step Creates Momentum

These six strategies remove the mental resistance to starting. They make action feel simple, inevitable, and even fun.

And once you start? Momentum takes over.

Now, ask yourself: What have I been putting off?

Pick one tip. Apply it today. Because the sooner you start, the faster you win.