What to do when you don't know where to start...

One of the most common phrases I hear from solopreneurs is, "I don't know where to start." It's a common sentiment, especially when the goals seem large and the path unclear.

But there's an interesting twist I've noticed in my coaching sessions: when I ask, "Where do you think you should start?" almost every time, the client has an answer.

This inconsistency is not just a quirk of a few scattered individuals; it's embedded in the psychology of decision-making and stress.

Telling yourself that you don't know where to start is an understandable reaction to feeling overwhelmed. It’s a protective measure, shielding you from the anxiety of potentially making the wrong choice. Unfortunately,  this self-talk makes it difficult to initiate action and can lead to procrastination.

Negative self-talk reinforces doubt and clouds judgment. By convincing yourself that you don't know where to begin, you inadvertently build a mental barrier that blocks you from seeing potential starting points and strategies.

The key to breaking this cycle is to shift the story from doubt to action.

A helpful question I like to ask my clients in these moments is:

What feels like the natural first step? This reframing can uncover intuitive insights into how to proceed.

So, the next time you find yourself thinking, "I don't know where to start," remember that this is often a sign that you actually do have an idea—it's just buried.

Trust your instincts and knowledge. More often than not, you know more than you think you do.

Starting is the hardest part, but once you move past that mental block, you’ll find that your path becomes clearer with each step forward. Remember, inaction breeds doubt and fear, while action breeds confidence and courage. Let’s start taking those small steps today.