What is holding you back?
Spot your internal barriers and move forward.
You know what you want to do. Maybe it’s starting a business, applying for a job, speaking up more often, or finally doing the thing you keep saying you’ll get to someday. But you don’t. You tell yourself you’re not ready, that you need more resources, or that now isn’t the right time. Those reasons may sound valid, but they often hide deeper ones. The real barriers are usually not external but live in your head. This is natural. Everyone experiences these barriers, and what matters is how you respond.
What are the internal forces that hold us back? Most of us get stuck in a few familiar patterns. One is the pull of the familiar. We feel safe with what we know and uneasy about stepping outside it. Another is fear, whether it’s fear of failing, rejection, judgment, or the unknown. Overthinking can stall us too, turning every decision into a loop of what-ifs. And sometimes, we simply lack clarity or focus, unsure which step to take next. Once we see these forces clearly, we can tackle them with small, deliberate actions instead of getting paralyzed.
Spotting your internal barriers is like realizing the handbrake is still on in a car; you can’t move forward until you release it.
Pick the one thing you’ve been avoiding that matters most and ask yourself why. What story are you telling yourself that keeps you from starting? Then take one small step that addresses that reason. For example, write a draft message and ask a trusted friend for feedback if you fear rejection, gather information if you lack clarity, or do something concrete if you’ve been overthinking. Progress begins with action, not perfection. Each small step teaches you what works and builds the confidence to take the next one. Momentum grows from doing, not waiting.
Spot your internal barriers and take the first step today.
Further reflection
Look inside and confront the thoughts that might be keeping you stuck.
🤔 What story are you telling yourself right now?
🤔 What mental prison are you living in?
