What’s Really Stopping You from Getting Started?

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I know I want a change, but I just can’t seem to start,” you’re not alone.

In my coaching work, I see this pattern time and time again. People don’t lack ideas, ambition or motivation. What they struggle with are the internal and external barriers that quietly stop them from taking that first step.

Based on my coaching experience and years of working with individuals and teams, there are five core obstacles that consistently prevent people from getting started, whether that’s a new project, business idea, career move, or personal change.

Let’s explore each one, and more importantly, how you can begin to work through them. Check out E39 of The Solo Coach Podcast for an in-depth discussion about obstacles and what prevents us from getting started.

1. Fear

Fear is the most common barrier I see, and it shows up in many forms. Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear of the unknown. Fear of losing money, reputation, security or relationships.

At its core, fear is usually built on a single assumption: that whatever happens next will be worse than it is now. The cost of change will exceed the cost of staying the same, and that you’ll regret trying.

The problem is not that fear exists. Fear feels real because it is real. Trying to suppress it or ignore it rarely works.

What does help is putting fear into context. One powerful exercise I use with my clients is exploring the absolute worst-case scenario. What is the thing you are most afraid will happen if you apply for the job, start the business or make the change?

Once you’ve named it, ask yourself honestly how likely that scenario really is. In most cases, when people slow down and examine this, they realise the probability is far lower than their fear initially suggested. Often close to zero.

Fear doesn’t disappear when you do this, but it loses its grip over you. It may still be in the car with you, but it’s no longer in the driving seat.

A coach can help by creating a safe space to unpack fear, understand where it comes from, and decide how you want to move forward, in your own way. And then holding you to account, to ensure that you follow through on your plan.

2. Lack of Time

“I don’t have time.”

This is one of the most common phrases I hear, and it’s completely understandable. Adult life is busy, demanding and full of responsibilities. But time is one of the few things we all have equally (24 hours in a day). The difference lies in how intentionally we use it.

One of the most effective tools I use with clients is a simple time audit. For one week, track how you actually spend each hour of your day, without trying to change anything. Download a copy here.

What often happens is surprising. Simply measuring time changes behaviour. People start noticing where time leaks occur, especially around screens, scrolling and unintentional habits. This isn’t about guilt or productivity for the sake of it. It’s about moving from autopilot to fully present.

Most new ideas don’t need full days or weeks to get started. They need small, consistent pockets of time. Half an hour a few times a week adds up far quicker than we expect!

A coach can help you identify these pockets, challenge assumptions about how much time you think you need, and hold you accountable to the time you choose to protect for yourself.

3. Lack of Money

“I can’t afford it.”

Money is an emotionally charged topic, and it often feels like a hard stop. But in many cases, it’s not the absence of money that’s the issue, it’s a lack of clarity.

The first question to ask is how far you can get for little or no cost. There is an enormous amount of free information, learning and human connection available if you’re willing to look.

The second, and more important, question is specificity. How much money do you actually need to get started? Not roughly. Not vaguely. Precisely. Down to the last penny or cent.

Once you know that, compare it to what you have now and identify the gap. Only then can you create a realistic plan to bridge it. This often involves reviewing spending habits, auditing subscriptions, and becoming more intentional with money rather than avoiding the topic altogether.

A coach doesn’t give financial advice, but they can help you face your money story, get clear on your numbers, and take confident action, including seeking professional financial support where needed.

4. Lack of Connections

“I don’t know the right people.”

This belief stops more people than it should. Nobody is born with a ready-made network for every path they want to pursue.

Connections are built, not inherited.

The people you’re looking for already exist. They’re out there, sharing their experiences, insights and mistakes. Most people are surprisingly open to conversations if you’re willing to ask.

Books, podcasts, social platforms and communities are all entry points. Reaching out, asking questions and showing genuine curiosity goes a long way. The power of connecting with people who’ve done what you are wanting to do is immense!

A coach can help you clarify who you want to connect with, where to find them, and support you with accountability so good intentions turn into real action.

5. Lack of Skills, Knowledge or Experience

“I’m not qualified enough.”

This belief often shows up right at the final hurdle. People convince themselves they can’t start because they don’t yet have everything figured out. But nobody starts fully prepared. Skills are learned. Knowledge is acquired. Experience is gained by doing. If you wait until you feel ready, you may wait forever.

Most people are far more capable than they believe. Lived experience, curiosity and resourcefulness often matter far more than formal qualifications. When I started this podcast and my coaching business, I didn’t know how to do most of the things I now do. I learned by starting, asking questions and surrounding myself with others who were further along the path.

A coach can help you identify the skills that actually matter, separate real gaps from self-doubt, and create a realistic plan to develop what you need, as you go.

Final Thoughts

The five most common obstacles that stop people getting started are fear, lack of time, lack of money, lack of connections, and lack of skills or experience. None of these are permanent. None of them mean you are incapable. What guarantees staying stuck is not starting at all.

Progress doesn’t come from having everything perfectly in place. It comes from taking one small step, then another, and building momentum over time. If you’re feeling stuck right now, consider this your permission to begin where you are, with what you have. One step at a time.

If you’d like support working through your own barriers to getting started, you’re always welcome to reach out and start the conversation.

Here’s to your ongoing success,

- David
The Solo Coach