Stop Waiting, Start Doing: How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Take Charge of Your Life

Hey, let’s talk. Why are we all just waiting, constantly and tirelessly waiting around for something, someone, a sign, a change, a push? Stop it. Stop waiting because the time will never be 100% right, the situation will never be perfect, and you will always have a bit of fear in you. That’s normal. What is on the other side of fear is excitement. Sometimes, we confuse our anxieties with how fearfully excited we are for a change. Stop waiting, please. The perfect moment or opportunity will never come if you don’t take a risk on yourself every once in a while. There is so much more to life than letting our fear get in the way of what we want. There is so much more to your life than letting someone else control your happiness. If you aren’t happy in a job, relationship, city, or town, then change it. No one else is going to push you except you.

In movies and books, we always romanticize the characters that have the biggest development, so why don’t we push for character development of our own? What is that big goal or dream you’ve always wanted to accomplish? Why haven’t you started it? What are you doing on a daily basis that is getting you closer to the person you want to be? Be honest with yourself, and if you aren’t happy, change. I am so tired of hearing people say that they are waiting for next year, next week, next month. Do it now, make the leap now. What are you so afraid of, and is it worth losing yourself in the process by waiting? I am tired of seeing people I care about waste their potential because they are afraid of themselves, afraid of stepping out of their comfort zones.

Genuinely, I have been growing tired of the old tales that someone is going to come around and save us all. That some man or woman is going to pull us out of our depression and save us and make us whole again. That is your job, not someone else’s. You have to be the one to acknowledge your flaws, anxieties, and woes, and once you do that, it’ll be easier for you to be open to someone else loving you. I’m not saying you have to fix yourself before you enter a relationship, but I’m saying you have to be honest with yourself about where you are mentally, physically, and emotionally before you enter anything. A partner, no matter how great, can’t fix you, just like you can’t fix them no matter how much you want to try.

In the end,

it’s just you,

your battles,

and everything in between.

Here are some steps to getting out of your own way:

1: Acknowledge Your Fear

Recognize that fear is a natural part of the process. Understand that the time will never be perfect and that some level of fear will always be present. Instead of letting it paralyze you, use it as a motivator.

2: Identify What’s Holding You Back

Take a moment to reflect on what’s preventing you from moving forward. Is it fear of failure, lack of confidence, or waiting for the perfect moment? Once you identify these barriers, you can start addressing them.

3: Set Clear Goals

Define what you want to achieve. Be specific about your goals and set realistic timelines. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps that you can work on consistently.

4: Take Small Steps Daily

Start taking action towards your goals every day, no matter how small the steps might seem. Consistent progress, even if it’s slow, is better than waiting for a big breakthrough.

5: Embrace Discomfort

Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Embrace the discomfort that comes with taking risks and trying new things. It’s a sign that you’re pushing your boundaries and making progress.

6: Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Everyone’s journey is unique. Focus on your own progress and avoid comparing yourself to others. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem in comparison.

7: Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Build a network of supportive friends, mentors, and peers who encourage and motivate you. Share your goals with them and seek their advice and feedback.

8: Learn from Failures

Failure is a part of the learning process. Instead of fearing it, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your approach, and keep moving forward.

9: Prioritize Self-Care

Taking charge of your life requires energy and resilience. Prioritize self-care to maintain your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Exercise, eat well, get enough sleep, and practice mindfulness.

10: Stay Persistent and Adapt

Persistence is key to achieving your goals. Stay committed to your journey, but also be flexible and willing to adapt your plans as needed. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes you’ll need to adjust your course.

Stop waiting and start doing. The perfect moment will never come, and you’ll always have a bit of fear. Embrace it, take action, and get out of your own way. Your future self will thank you for taking charge of your life and pursuing your dreams.