How to stop holding yourself back

How many times have you thought: I’ll do this when …

I'll be this when...?

Whether it’s waiting for your big break, a promotion or finally achieving that illusive bikini body, it’s easy to get caught up waiting for your next big thing. Like your life is on hold, or you’re not worthy.

I’m guilty of this. Whether it’s work and what I have or haven’t achieved yet, or whether or not I’m at my peak health and fitness, I’m always demonising myself to keep pushing, keep trying. Nothing else matters until I get there.

Sound familiar?

I read a quote the other day that really resonated with me:

Start where you are.

Use what you have.

Do what you can.

It’s time to stop letting life go past until you reach that big milestone to feel worthy. It’s time to stop being our own worst enemies.

Get started

Stop thinking “one-day” and start today. No more excuses.

Don’t be afraid to be scrappy

It’s funny how sometimes fleeting comments can stick. Awhile back someone who I respect said something to me that I keep coming back to. I was really stressed about a big pitch I was working on at work. It was complicated and involved a huge number of stakeholders. With the deadline rapidly approaching, I definitely had my lawyer hat on… planning out every aspect of the campaign, thinking through every what if …. and then some more!

He told me to stop worrying about every possible scenario. What’s the worst that will happen, he asked? We’ll have a big win, and then everything will sort itself out.

If you’re like me, perhaps you need to hear this advice. We can’t plan for every possible situation. Life is unpredictable, people are unpredictable. Trying to control every outcome just leads to more stress and anxiety.

This doesn’t mean I’m not going to take pride in my work anymore. Quite the opposite. But I’m just giving myself a friendly reminder that sometimes done is better than perfect…

Life will be messy, but don’t let this hold you back. Get involved and be a bit scrappy if you have to. Make it up along the way.

Get out of your own way

Finally, think about what is really holding you back. Is it you?

Remember that the first step is the most important… so why not take it today?

Phoebe