Last evening I was having a conversation with an old friend, you wanted to explore and learn something new however he was very hesitant to do that citing age as one of the factors, are you are you the kind of person to find it difficult to do something that has never been done before?
That quiet resistance when you're about to take a leap. That little voice whispering, “What if you fail?” or “What will people think?” Maybe you've got a dream a side project, a career move, a fitness goal — but it stays tucked away in the "someday" folder of your life.
So, what’s holding you back?
Most of the time, it’s not the world outside that’s stopping us. It’s something within.
The Invisible Chains: Internal Limitations
We often think of limitations as external money, time, responsibilities, skills. And sure, those things matter. But if you look a little deeper, you’ll notice something important: many of those so-called "barriers" are actually rooted in fear. The fear of not being good enough. The fear of being seen trying and not succeeding.
Here are some of the most common internal blockers:
Fear of failure
Fear of judgment
Fear of success (yes, that’s real)
Impostor syndrome
Perfectionism
These aren’t just fluffy terms. They quietly shape our decisions, our habits, and how far we let ourselves go.
You’ve probably heard of the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, the idea that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts.
But there’s another way to look at it when it comes to personal growth:
80% of what holding you back is your fear and 20% is actually the external factors
Let that sink for a second.
Most of the time, we’re not waiting for the right time, we’re waiting to feel ready. But readiness isn’t a feeling. it’s a choice.
So, How Do You Break Through?
The truth is, you probably already know what you want to do. Most of us do. It’s not a lack of knowledge. It’s a lack of permission. And that permission has to come from you.
Here are a few things that can help:
1. Name the Fear
Get real about what you're afraid of. Not just “I’m not ready” dig deeper. Are you afraid of what people might think? Afraid of looking like a beginner? Afraid your idea won’t work? Afraid of, what if it doesn't work?
Once you name it, it loses its grip. You can’t fight what you won’t face.
2. Redefine Failure
We treat failure like it’s the end of the story. But what if it’s just part of the plot? Every misstep is information. Every “no” is just one step closer to the right “yes.” The people you look up to didn’t avoid failure. They just didn’t let it stop them.
3. Shrink the First Step
You don’t have to climb the whole mountain. Just take the next step. Don’t try to build a business overnight, send one email. Don’t try to run 5k tomorrow, put on your shoes and go for a walk. Action builds momentum, and momentum silences fear. Decision Determination and Discipline
4. Surround Yourself Wisely
You become who you’re around. If you’re constantly around people who doubt your vision, it’s going to be hard to believe in yourself. Seek out people, or even content, that energizes you. Uplifting people, supportive friends, inspiring podcasts. Protect your environment like your life depends on it, because your future just might.
5. Remember Your Why
When fear gets loud, purpose needs to get louder. Why do you want this? What’s driving you? Who are you doing this for? Keep that reason close. Write it down. Look at it often. Let it ground you when you start to drift.
You’re Not Broken. You’re Just Stuck. And stuck isn’t permanent.
Stuck is just a pause. A moment before something shifts. If something inside you is whispering, “Maybe now’s the time,” trust that.
You don’t need to feel fearless to begin.You just need to begin. So the real question isn’t “What’s holding you back?”
It’s this: “What are you willing to let go of so you can finally move forward?”
You’ve got more in you than you think. Start there.
