You’re Not Stuck. You’re Just Waiting.
Sometimes You Just Need to Do Something
Hey friends,
This isn’t a pep talk.
It’s more like a wake-up call—for you and for me.
We spend so much time preparing to live the life we want, chasing the perfect strategy, or waiting for the right moment… that we forget the only thing that ever really gets us there is action.
Sometimes you just need to do something. Not plan. Not overthink. Not learn one more thing.
Just start.
Here are seven things I keep learning (and relearning) about the power of taking action—even when you’re not ready:
1. You Can’t Think Your Way Into a New Life
Research is good. Learning is good. But if you’re reading all the books and watching all the videos and still not taking the leap? That’s not progress—that’s paralysis.
You don’t need another course. You need movement.
We don’t change through thinking—we change through doing. Action is what transforms knowledge into results.
2. Momentum Beats Motivation
We’ve been sold this idea that we have to feel “inspired” before we act. But most of the time, inspiration doesn’t come until we act.
One small step—writing one sentence, sending one email, taking one walk—can snap you out of a funk and create momentum. And momentum, unlike motivation, is self-sustaining.
Don’t wait for the mood to strike. Build it by moving.
3. You Get Clarity By Starting
A lot of people (my past self included) delay action because they’re waiting for the perfect plan or the “right” path.
Spoiler: It doesn’t exist.
Clarity is a byproduct of movement. You figure it out by doing. You learn what works—and what doesn’t—by trying.
Most of my best insights have come while stumbling forward, not sitting still.
4. Fear Doesn’t Go Away—You Just Get Used to It
People say, “I’ll start when I’m not afraid.” But fear is baked into growth. It’s not a sign you’re doing something wrong—it’s a sign you’re doing something new.
You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to move forward anyway.
Fear shrinks the moment you step into it.
5. Waiting Costs More Than You Think
Time is slipping by. Quietly. Constantly.
Every day you delay that dream, that project, that next step—it’s a day you never get back. A version of your life that could’ve existed… but didn’t.
It’s not about hustling harder or adding more to your plate. It’s about finally doing the thing you already know you’re meant to do.
6. Your First Try Will Be Ugly (and That’s the Point)
Want to know the difference between people who succeed and people who don’t?
It’s not talent. It’s not even timing. It’s that they were willing to look stupid on version one.
The first draft will be bad. The first attempt might flop. But perfection is a trap that keeps you stuck.
Done is better than perfect. Starting messy is better than waiting forever.
7. You’re Probably Closer Than You Think
This is the part that gets me.
We work so hard behind the scenes. We dream. We plan. We hesitate. And sometimes we quit before we even really begin.
But what if your next step leads to a breakthrough?
You can’t see it yet—but you might be one email, one post, one brave decision away from real momentum.
Don’t rob yourself of the chance to find out.
The Bottom Line
If there’s something you’ve been sitting on—a goal, an idea, a quiet dream that just won’t leave you alone—this is your sign.
Not a cosmic sign. A real, practical one.
Start today.
Do something small. Do it scared. Do it before you’re ready.
But whatever you do… just start.
Thanks for reading. If this resonated with you, hit the ❤️ button, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, or leave a comment. I’d love to hear what action you’re taking next.
Until next time,
J.R. Heimbigner, The Minimalist Author
P.S. If you want to get started making money online, start with the 7-Day Mini Book Challenge. This time next week, you could have your first mini book making you extra income!
My name is J.R. Heimbigner and I am a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon with 20 self-published books. Learn more about The Minimalist Author HQ!
Also, this post may contain sales or affiliate links, so I might get a little kickback if you purchase anything. Thank you in advance!
I loved the comment "Fear doesn't go away." I had a student who was preparing for her graduate recital. She said she couldn't wait until she was experienced and didn't get nervous. I told her, "It will never happen." To produce something good, important, memorable...you have to be able to accept some suffering....but look at the reward! You'll immediately want to do it again!
This article should give anyone trying much hope and inspiration. I especially like point6 "The first draft will be bad. The first attempt might flop. But perfection is a trap that keeps you stuck". You are right, when we look back we might just grinch at our first attempt, but I don't care, probably only a small number of people is going to see it anyway.