The Biggest Lie That Keeps Us From Taking Action

Do you ever feel paralyzed when faced with a new goal or project? Like you're stuck in place, unable to take that first step? If so, you're not alone. A common misconception holds many of us back from pursuing our dreams and embracing new opportunities. This blog post, inspired by our latest podcast episode, Start Where You Are, will uncover and dismantle this lie, giving you some practical strategies to overcome inaction and get you moving forward. In the podcast, I get into why waiting for perfect conditions will leave you stuck and unsure where to begin, so let's get started taking action!

The Lie That Holds Us Back

The lie is simple yet effectively paralyzing: "I need to have everything perfectly aligned before I start." This belief traps us in a cycle of planning, preparing, and perpetually postponing. We convince ourselves that we need more resources, knowledge, time, or a more favorable environment before we can even begin. But the truth is, this quest for perfect alignment is often a smokescreen for fear, insecurity, and a lack of faith.

Think about it. How many times have you delayed starting a project because you felt you weren't "ready" enough? Maybe you wanted to write a book but felt you needed to take a writing course first. Or maybe you dreamed of starting a business but were waiting for the "perfect" business plan and funding. Or possibly you wanted to get into shape but were waiting until you had time to fully prepare a meal plan, join a gym, and buy the perfect workout clothes?

The problem with this mindset is that "perfect" is a moving target. There will always be something else to learn, another skill to acquire, or a new obstacle to overcome. Waiting for everything to be just right is a recipe for stagnation and missed opportunities.

The Myth of "Perfect" Conditions

The idea of perfect conditions is a dangerous illusion. It's based on the flawed assumption that success is guaranteed if we meticulously plan and prepare. While planning and preparation are certainly important, they shouldn't become a substitute for action. Life is messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises. No amount of planning can fully anticipate every challenge that will arise.

Moreover, waiting for perfect conditions often masks a deeper fear of failure. We tell ourselves that we're not ready because we're afraid of making mistakes, being judged, or falling short of our own expectations. But failure is an inevitable part of the learning process. It's through our mistakes that we grow, adapt, and ultimately achieve our goals.

Consider the stories of successful entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators. Rarely did they have everything perfectly figured out from the start. They stumbled, made mistakes, and learned from their experiences. It was their willingness to take action, even in the face of uncertainty, that ultimately led to their success.

Think about Thomas Edison and his many failed attempts to invent the light bulb. He didn't wait for the perfect materials or the perfect scientific understanding. He experimented, learned from his failures, and persevered until he achieved his breakthrough. Or consider the Wright brothers who started with a mere idea and a few parts. They didn't wait for perfect weather, funding, or designs. They jumped in and started flying.

Why Small Beginnings Matter to God

From a spiritual perspective, the pursuit of "perfect" conditions can also stem from a lack of trust in God's provision and guidance. We may feel that we need to have everything under control before we can confidently step out in faith. But God often works in unexpected ways, using our weaknesses and limitations to accomplish His purposes.

The Bible is filled with stories of ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary things through God's power. Moses was a reluctant leader with a speech impediment. David was a shepherd boy who faced a giant. Esther was a young woman who risked her life to save her people. None of these individuals was "perfectly" qualified for the tasks they were called to perform, yet God used them mightily.

God celebrates our small beginnings. He sees the potential within us and is willing to work with us, even when we feel inadequate. In fact, it's often in our weakness that God's strength is most evident. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

In the podcast, I explore this notion and touch on the idea that God isn't waiting for us to have it all together. He's already celebrating your first step.

The Biggest Lie: Debunked

So, what is the biggest lie that keeps us from taking action? It's the belief that we need to be perfect, have everything figured out, or possess all the necessary resources before we can begin. This lie is a barrier that prevents us from stepping into our potential and pursuing our God-given purpose.

To debunk this lie, we must recognize that progress, not perfection, is the goal. It's about taking small, consistent steps forward, even when we don't have all the answers. It's about embracing the learning process and trusting that God will guide us along the way.

We also need to challenge our perfectionistic tendencies. That's my main sticking point. Ask yourself, "What am I afraid of? What's the worst that could happen if I start now?" Often, the fear is far worse than the reality. Once we confront our fears and recognize that failure is not fatal, we can begin to break free from the paralysis of perfectionism.

A Powerful Shift: Start Today

The antidote to inaction is simple: start today. Don't wait for tomorrow, next week, or next month. Take one small step towards your goal right now. It doesn't have to be a big, dramatic gesture. It could be as simple as making a phone call, sending an email, or researching a topic. The key is to break the cycle of procrastination and get moving.

Starting today is a powerful statement of faith. It demonstrates that you trust God to provide what you need along the way. It also creates momentum. Once you take that first step, it becomes easier to take the next one. And before you know it, you'll be well on your way to achieving your goals.

Think of it like a snowball rolling down a hill. It starts small, but as it gathers momentum, it grows larger and faster. Your small beginnings can have a similar effect. As you take consistent action, you'll build momentum, gain confidence, and attract opportunities that you never thought possible.

In the podcast episode, I challenge you to think about the thing that you've been putting off and to just take the first step. What's one thing you’ve been putting off because it doesn’t feel big enough, polished enough, or “spiritual” enough?

Practical Steps to Overcome Inaction

Here are some practical steps you can take to overcome inaction and start pursuing your goals today:

1. Identify the Lie: Recognize the perfectionistic thoughts that are holding you back. What specific fears or insecurities are fueling your inaction?
2. Break Down Your Goal: Divide your goal into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make it less daunting and easier to get started.
3. Set Realistic Expectations: Don't expect to achieve perfection overnight. Focus on making progress, not achieving flawless results.
4. Embrace Imperfection: Accept that mistakes are inevitable and valuable learning opportunities. Don't let fear of failure paralyze you.
5. Take One Small Step: Identify one action you can take today to move closer to your goal. It could be as simple as making a phone call, sending an email, or researching a topic.
6. Find an Accountability Partner: Share your goals with someone you trust and ask them to hold you accountable. This will provide encouragement and support when you feel like giving up.
7. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. This will help you stay motivated and build momentum.
8. Pray for Guidance: Ask God to give you wisdom, courage, and strength to overcome your fears and pursue your goals.

Scripture Spotlight: Zechariah 4:10

This verse is gold. One of our key scriptures in the related podcast episode is Zechariah 4:10, which states: "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." 

God doesn’t just allow small beginnings—He celebrates them. He rejoices when we take our first faithful step, however small it may seem. He rejoices when we take that first step of faith, even if we don't have all the answers.

This verse was spoken to Zerubbabel, who was tasked with rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The task seemed daunting, and the resources were limited. But God encouraged Zerubbabel not to despise the small beginnings, for He was with him and would see the work through to completion. The Lord rejoices to see the work begin. That speaks volumes.

Just as God encouraged Zerubbabel, He encourages us today. He doesn't expect us to have all the answers or to be perfectly qualified. He simply asks us to be faithful, to take that first step, and to trust that He will guide us along the way.

Encouragement and Support

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Many people struggle with inaction and the fear of imperfection. Reach out to friends, family, or mentors for encouragement and support. Share your goals, your fears, and your challenges. Together, you can overcome the lie that holds you back and step into your full potential.

Seek out resources that can help you grow and develop your skills. Read books, attend workshops, or take online courses. The more you learn, the more confident you will become in your ability to achieve your goals.

Most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself. Don't beat yourself up for making mistakes or falling short of your expectations. Learn from your experiences and keep moving forward. God's grace is sufficient for you, and He will never give up on you.

Call to Action: Start Where You Are

The time for waiting is over. The time for planning is done. The time for action is now. Start where you are, with what you have, and with the skills you possess. Don't wait for perfect conditions or for everything to be perfectly aligned. Trust that God will guide you, provide for you, and equip you for the journey ahead.

Take that first step today. Send that email. Make that phone call. Write that first paragraph. Start that project. Whatever it is, just start. You may be surprised at how far you can go when you simply begin. As the podcast episode suggests, you can start from there!

I explored that very message in the Start Where You Are podcast episode, and I pray this blog post helped expand on how that message of hope and action can impact your life. The biggest lie that keeps us from taking action is that we need to be perfect, but we don't! Take that first step and you will not regret it!