The Fear of Starting: A Journey Beyond Hesitation

Starting something new—whether it's creating a piece of art, launching a business, or pursuing a personal goal—can often feel like facing a mountain too steep to climb. The fear of starting can paralyze us, causing us to hesitate and question our abilities. This moment of uncertainty is a huge hurdle, and it's something I personally encounter often as an artist.

I’ve experienced the fear that comes when standing before a blank canvas or moving from one stage to the next in my work. There’s always a flood of worry, what-ifs, and self-doubt. It’s as if my mind creates a mental checklist of all the things that could go wrong—each potential obstacle an excuse to delay. More often than not, I’d hesitate, telling myself, “Maybe tomorrow.” The truth is, waiting for the “perfect” moment never brings the results I hope for.

This hesitation isn’t limited to art; it can hold us back in all areas of life. The fear of the unknown, the fear of failure, and the pressure to do everything perfectly keep us stuck in the planning phase. It’s a cycle many of us fall into, believing that if we just wait for the right conditions—more time, more experience, fewer doubts—we can finally begin. But by the time we feel “ready,” the moment has passed, and we’ve missed our chance to grow.

Understanding the Fear

The fear of getting started often stems from our worries about failure. We fear our ideas won’t live up to our vision, or that we won’t have what it takes to see them through. For me, it used to feel like standing at the edge of a cliff, unsure whether to jump or hold back. It was easier to stay on solid ground, avoiding the unknown, than to take the leap.

But here’s what I’ve learned through my journey as an artist—and I believe it applies to everyone: The most important decision you can make is to start, even when you feel afraid. This is true not just in art, but in every creative endeavor or personal goal.

Moving Past the Fear

So, how do we push through the fear and take that first step? Here are 4 reminders that always help me:

1. Start Small: The thought of completing a project or reaching a goal can feel overwhelming. But instead of focusing on the entire journey, break it down into smaller steps. This could be as simple as sketching the first line or setting aside 10 minutes to write. You don’t have to tackle everything at once.
   
   
2. Shift Your Focus: We often focus on all the reasons not to start. Instead, flip that perspective. What would it mean to achieve your goal? The possibilities of growth, self-expression, and success far outweigh the temporary discomfort of getting started. Ask yourself: What’s the cost of not starting?
   
   
3. Embrace Imperfection: Waiting for everything to be perfect is an illusion. Perfect conditions don’t exist. The fear of imperfection is real, but I’ve learned that imperfection is part of the process. It’s through trying, failing, and trying again that we learn, grow, and ultimately succeed.
   
   
4. Take Action Despite the Anxiety: Anxiety and worry will likely accompany you on your journey. The key is to keep moving forward, even if the path isn’t entirely clear. Every step, no matter how small, gets you closer to where you want to be.

Embracing Your Journey

While this post comes from an artist’s perspective, I believe it applies to anyone facing a new challenge or trying to take on a new goal. Whether you're starting a new career, pursuing a creative passion, or making a life change, the fear of getting started is something we all face. But what if you allowed yourself to move forward despite the uncertainty?

Ask yourself: What’s one small step I can take today that will bring me closer to my goal? No action is too small. Every successful person, artist, and entrepreneur had to make the decision to start—despite their doubts. And so can you.

I want to encourage you to take that first step today. It might feel uncomfortable, but that’s okay. It’s part of the process. If you’re not sure where to start, break it down into something achievable. Embrace the fear, and use it as fuel to move forward.

You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.