Let’s admit it—we’ve all had those moments where we wanted to try something… but didn’t.
Maybe we thought:
“What if I fail?”
“I’m not ready yet.”
“Others are better than me.”
But here’s something we rarely pause to notice:
🎧 The voice in your head? That’s you.
And how you talk to yourself shapes your actions—or the lack of them.
1️⃣ Create a Positive Image of Yourself: Be on Your Own Side 💬
Most people wouldn’t dream of discouraging a friend the way they discourage themselves:
- “You’ll mess this up.”
- “You’re not made for this.”
- “You’re too late to start.”
If we spoke to others like that, we’d lose friends fast.
But somehow, we let that slide when it’s about ourselves.
🟢 What helps? Start by building a realistic but positive self-image.
This isn’t about fake positivity or daily mirror pep talks. It’s about telling yourself the truth, with a bias toward growth.
👉 Think Like This:
- “I’ve figured things out before. I’ll figure this out too.”
- “It’s okay to learn as I go.”
- “I don’t have to be perfect to begin.”
Shifting that internal tone helps you take action—not because you’re 100% confident, but because you’re giving yourself permission to try.
2️⃣ Coach Yourself When You’re Stuck 🎙️
We all hit roadblocks.
It could be a tough project, a new responsibility, or even just stepping outside your comfort zone.
When that happens, try flipping the script.
Be your own coach—not a drill sergeant, but someone who helps you move forward.
Here’s a simple model to help when you’re unsure:
🧩 The “IDEA” Framework
I – Identify: What’s actually blocking me right now?
D – Dialogue: What story am I telling myself about it?
E – Encourage: If a friend were in this spot, what would I say?
A – Act: What small step can I take—even if I don’t feel ready?
The point isn’t to have it all figured out.
The point is to keep moving.
🛠️ But What If I Try and Fail?
Ah yes, the classic fear.
Let’s face it—sometimes we’ll mess up. Everyone does.
But here’s the deal:
- ✅ People who try more often succeed more often.
(Even research backs this: more attempts = more wins over time.) - 🚀 Every failure teaches something that smooths the path next time.
- 💡 Staying still guarantees nothing changes.
In other words:
If you take action and fail, you learn.
If you take action and succeed, you grow.
If you don’t act… you stay wondering.
So really, what’s there to lose?
Even a small step forward beats standing still.
🎯 Let’s Make It Practical
Here are some everyday moments and how a shift in messaging can help:
🎤 Speaking up in meetings
- Old Thought: “What if I sound silly?”
- New Thought: “My ideas are worth sharing. I can always improve later.”
- Action: Prep one point before the meeting and say it.
🏃♂️ Restarting a fitness habit
- Old Thought: “I’ve lost momentum—what’s the point now?”
- New Thought: “One workout gets me closer than none.”
- Action: Go for a 10-minute walk. It counts.
💼 Starting something new
- Old Thought: “I don’t know everything yet.”
- New Thought: “Nobody starts with all the answers. I’ll figure it out.”
- Action: Watch a video, draft a plan, or talk to someone who’s done it.
✨ Final Thought
You don’t need to become your own motivational speaker.
But you do need to stop being your own roadblock.
The voice in your head can push you forward—or pull you back.
So next time you hear it saying “I can’t,” pause and ask:
“Is that really true, or just fear talking?”
Then take a small step. Even if it’s messy. Even if you’re unsure.
Because here’s the thing:
💡 Clarity comes through action.
🧭 Confidence comes from trying.
🎯 Progress comes from doing.