What Stops You From Getting Started — and How to Fix It

Hey there, it’s Marie Forleo and you are watching MarieTV, the place to be to create a business and life that you love. So if you’ve been dreaming of starting a business or making a major life change but you just can’t seem to get yourself started, I’ve got to tell you, this episode is for you. You’re gonna learn the one simple idea that has helped me dive headfirst into any scary project or goal every time. Today’s question comes from Erin and Erin writes:

“Hi Marie, I’m struggling to get started with my business idea. I’m afraid it won’t be right and that everything I do will stink at first. I’m afraid that once I get going I might change my mind. Honestly, it feels like I’m afraid of everything. Any tips for getting over the fear of getting started? Thanks so much, Erin.”

Erin, my girl, those fears that you have about not doing your business right or about stinking at first or changing your mind midstream, I’ve gotta be honest, those are well founded. Because chances are, you probably will stink at first. You definitely will not do everything right. And it is highly likely that you’re going to change your mind or change directions several times once you actually get going. You wanna know how I know this, my friend? It is called being a beginner. Being human. You know, when I first started my business, oh my goodness, I made so many mistakes. I changed things so many times. And we still make mistakes now and we change things all the time now. It’s part of the growth process. Anyone who’s successful and honest about it will tell you the same thing. There’s really no mystery there. But here’s the most important concept I want you to get Erin.

There’s a single mantra that has helped me my entire life bypass fear and make really any dream I’ve had come true, no matter how scary it seemed, no matter how intimidating it was or how unprepared or inexperienced I felt. And that mantra is this, you ready for it? Start before you’re ready. I’m gonna say that again. Start before you’re ready. Now, if I were you, Erin, I would get that little phrase tattooed somewhere on your body and live by it morning, day, and night because if you don’t here is what’s going to be on your tombstone.

Here lies Erin. She was almost ready.

What, you expected me to wait forever? We’re on the clock here, sweetheart.

Because here’s the truth, Erin. If you wait until you feel ready to do anything meaningful, you’re gonna be waiting for the rest of your life. Look, I have been doing this for a long time now. I’ve supported tens of thousands of entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses across 160 industries, and across 119 countries. And I’ve noticed some similarities. Among the people who are the most successful, the happiest, the people who are actually contributing the most, they all have one thing in common and it’s this: they all start before they’re ready.

You see, I think you’ve misidentified the enemy here. Because the enemy, it’s not making mistakes, it’s not changing your mind, and the enemy is not your fear. The only enemy that you need to defeat, my friend, is not getting started. This is what most of us just fail to realize. Action is the antidote to fear. Action creates progress and momentum and action, consistent action, is all you ever need to make anything happen in your life.

Now, if you want my help and you want an incredible community to support you as you start and grow this business, I do hope you’ll join us for B-School. I’ve gotta say, hands down, it is the best online business school for modern entrepreneurs on the planet. It is full of such amazing souls, brave, creative people training themselves to start before they’re ready. And, look, you don’t have to take my word for it. You can dive in. You can test drive it and totally decide for yourself. And if it’s not for you, there’s a risk-free guarantee. Now, if you’d rather do this on your own, that is great, Erin. But just do it. It doesn’t matter what your first step is, you’ve just got to do something now.

Because here’s the truth, I truly believe that every single one of us comes to this planet with a very special set of gifts that only we can give. And if right now you feel like your business idea is how you’re meant to contribute some of your gifts and make a difference to others, then you have to stop thinking about it, you’ve got to stop planning about it. You’ve got to stop getting ready and just start doing it. I know this may seem a little morbid, but, you know, the clock is ticking down for all of us. And before you know it, time is going to be up. So honestly, we’ve gotta get to work. And let’s wrap this one up with a tweetable.

One of the most underrated secrets to success is to start before you’re ready.

So that was my A to your Q, Erin, I really hope it helps. And now I would love to hear from you. Got a two-parter today. First up, what is one important, exciting thing that you’ve been afraid to start? Is it a business, is it having a tough conversation, is it learning a new skill or starting something from scratch? And number two, what is one step you can take right now to start before you’re ready? I want you to leave a comment below and let us know. And for bonus points, here’s what you should do. You should come on back and reply to your comment with the word “done” under your original comment and let us know exactly what you did and that you actually did it.

Now, as always, the best conversations happen over at MarieForleo.com, so head on over there and leave a comment now. Now, once you’re there be sure to subscribe to our email list and become an MF insider. You’re gonna get instant access to a powerful audio training called How to Get Anything You Want. You’ll also get exclusive content and special giveaways and some personal updates from me that I just don’t share anywhere else.

Stay on your game and keep going for your dreams because the world needs that special gift that only you have. Thank you so much for watching and I’ll catch you next time on MarieTV.

B-School is coming up. What in? For more info and free training go to JoinBSchool.com.

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