When "Just Start" Feels Like A Threat: Why It Didn't Work for Me (And What Did)

For the overthinkers, planners, and anxious creatives who need more than a motivational catchphrase. Have you ever been told to "just start"? It sounds so simple. So freeing. So motivating. But for some of us, it feels like a brick wall of pressure disguised as encouragement. I wanted to start. I had the ideas. I had the passion. I even had notebooks and files full of planning and dreaming. But whenever someone told me to "just start," I froze. Not because I didn’t want to—but because I didn’t know how. Here’s what I needed instead: a plan. A path. And permission to go at my own pace. "Just Start" Feels Paralyzing When: You don’t know what to start with You feel like you have to do it all at once You’re scared you’ll waste time, money, or energy You’re overwhelmed by tech, tools, and decisions You want things to feel intentional, not rushed If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And you're not broken. You're thou...