What I Learned When I Finally Looked at What Was Really Slowing Me Down | Blog

Ever feel like you’re ready to make a move, grow your business, finally start that project, or just get some real momentum going, but something keeps putting on the brakes? Like something invisible is slowing you down?

If so, you’re in good company.

I know the feeling well, and so do many of the entrepreneurs and coaches I work with.

It’s funny. We spend years learning, strategizing, and gathering all the “how-to’s.” And yet, time and again, it’s not a lack of information or skill that slows us down.

It’s something much quieter, almost invisible – hiding in plain sight.

It takes hold and slows us down – even when we know better.

What is it?

The habits of mind or thoughts that seem reasonable and rational.

There are some familiar ones, to me and perhaps to you, that I can bump into over and over again.

In the grip of them, not moving forward makes sense, but when I see them for what they are, I can act and step into the creative flow.

Here are the three sneaky patterns I see (in myself and with clients) that can stall progress.

Overthinking and Trying to Get It Right

You get an idea you’re excited about, and then you start tweaking, perfecting, thinking it to death. You want to be sure it’ll work, sure you won’t regret it, sure you’ll get the response you want. But the more you think, the heavier it feels, and before you know it, the idea is gathering dust on the shelf.

I’ve done this countless times. Meanwhile, I watch someone else take a similar idea, run with it, and bring it to life. The difference?

They acted.

The only difference is simply their willingness to act quickly on their ideas, while I am still perfecting mine.

And it’s not just my experience. Research consistently shows that “the gap between decision and action might be the single biggest predictor of entrepreneurial success.” – Pat Flynn

Momentum doesn’t come from endless planning or getting all the ducks in a row. It comes from taking that step.

The willingness to make a move, make a decision, and let go of getting it right.

“I Don’t Know What to Do”

This one can stop us cold. The mind says, “You don’t have the answer. You don’t know how to start.” Suddenly, we’re frozen. We wait for the “right” idea or the magical sign that tells us it’s time or exactly what to do next.

But here’s the truth: clarity shows up when we’re in motion. Not before.

Getting comfortable starting without all the information is key to creating momentum, building confidence, and trust in ourselves.

I read Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way years ago, and one of my favorite quotes is, “Leap and the net will appear.”

Or the scene from Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade when Harrison Ford has to have faith and take that first step into the cavern, and when he does, the bridge appears.

Both of these point to the wisdom of taking that first step.

Action – any action – creates movement. From there, wisdom emerges. Wisdom happens, clarity happens along the way.

It shakes things loose and lets fresh ideas in. Every time I’ve let myself move forward before knowing everything, I’ve learned something new and found my footing as I went.

And most importantly, it’s way more fun and fulfilling.

They Won’t Respect Me If I Say That

I spent years wearing my “professional” hat. After years of working as an executive and collaborating with companies and their leaders, I developed some deeply ingrained habits that were disguised as being professional or credible, but ultimately were jargon, and often kept me from getting to the heart of the matter more quickly.

I thought that editing, finding the right words, and being relatable in business meant I couldn’t say certain things and had to say others. For instance, don’t use words like, deeper nature, wisdom, true nature or anything that would be too “woo woo,” or you won’t be respected.

But the more I tried to fit that mold, the less aligned I felt. And honestly, it didn’t lead to deeper trust or connection.

The real magic happens when I let the mask drop and just show up as myself.

No extra required.

I still catch myself slipping into that old habit in subtle ways, but the best moments, the ones where I feel most energized, alive, and connected, always come when I give myself the freedom to share without edits.

I have a strong suspicion that this is something most people crave, even in business.

Moving Forward: What If You Just Decided?

If you’re waiting for the perfect plan, the right words, or enough confidence before you move, why not try something different this week?

What if you took a small step before you felt ready? What if you gave yourself permission to just show up as you are and see what happens?

You might be surprised by what opens up. I know I have been.

And if you want some extra support shaking off old habits and finding your own rhythm, I’m co-leading a 30-Day Challenge with Lily Sais, starting June 16th. EXPRESS TO EXPAND is a space to test, play, and discover new ways to show up and get in motion.

If you’re curious, you can check it out here.

Here’s to more movement, more joy, and letting ourselves play full out.