Ep1: Overcome Resistance: How Starting Now Drives You To Win
The Power of Starting: Overcoming Resistance and Taking Action
Have you ever wanted to do something big—start a project, learn a new skill, or change your life—only to find yourself stuck, waiting for the right time? You’re not alone. Many of us fall into the trap of waiting for the perfect moment, only to wake up one day realizing we should have started long ago.
The truth is, there’s no perfect time to start. The key to progress is to take that first step—whether you feel ready or not. And once you do, momentum will carry you forward.
Why Do We Procrastinate?
Dr. Piers Steel, in his book The Procrastination Equation, explains that we often delay tasks to avoid discomfort, seeking short-term emotional relief instead. In other words, we put off the hard things because they feel uncomfortable, even when we know they’re essential for our growth.
But procrastination only makes things worse. The longer we wait, the harder it becomes to start. Life is too short to keep waiting.
The Fresh Start Effect
Dr. Katherine Milkman along with Dr. Hengchen Dai and Jason Riis introduced the concept of the Fresh Start Effect, which suggests that people are more likely to take action after setting a temporary landmark—like a New Year’s resolution, a birthday, or the start of a new week.
But here’s the good news: You don’t need a special occasion to start. You can choose to take action at any moment. As Mark Twain said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
Your Life Is Like a Soundtrack—Hit Record
Imagine your life is like a movie soundtrack. The music begins playing the moment you hit record. But if you keep waiting, you’ll never let the music play. You’ll never start building the experiences that shape your life.
Perfection is a myth. The perfect time never arrives. An imperfect start is always better than no start at all. Martin Luther King Jr. put it best: “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
The Power of Simply Starting: Julie Powell’s Story
Julie Powell was a government temp worker in New York City, stuck in a job she didn’t love. She dreamed of writing and cooking but hesitated, doubting herself. Then, in 2002, she decided to stop waiting and take action. She set a goal to cook 524 recipes in 365 days and documented her journey in a blog, The Julie/Julia Project.
She had no prior fame, just a desire to start. But everything changed the moment she did. Her blog attracted a massive following, leading to a book deal, and eventually, a movie starring Meryl Streep. None of this would have happened if she had stayed in the waiting mode.
What’s the lesson? The act of starting can create a ripple effect that changes your life.
The Monster of Resistance
The moment you begin, another challenge appears: Resistance.
Steven Pressfield, in his book The War of Art, describes resistance as an internal force that sabotages our efforts through excuses, self-doubt, and procrastination. This monster manifests in fear, distractions, perfectionism, and rationalization.
How do you defeat resistance? By recognizing it for what it is—a normal part of the process—and taking action anyway. Resistance thrives when you hesitate, but it weakens when you push through.
David Goggins: A Masterclass in Overcoming Resistance
David Goggins, a former 300-pound pest exterminator, transformed himself into one of the toughest endurance athletes on the planet. Growing up in an abusive home, facing racism and poverty, he struggled with self-doubt for years.
One day, he watched a documentary on Navy SEAL training and realized the only thing holding him back was himself. Resistance had won for years, but at that moment, he decided to fight back.
To even qualify for SEAL training, he had to lose 100 pounds in three months. Every morning, his mind told him, “You’re not built for this. Start tomorrow.” But he refused to listen.
He faced resistance, pushed through, and kept showing up. Even after failing SEAL training twice due to injuries, he returned and passed on his third attempt. Goggins went on to break world records, run ultra-endurance races, and become an icon of mental toughness.
His story proves that resistance never disappears, but you get stronger each time you push past it.
Slaying the Monster, Again and Again
Resistance will always try to hold you back—whether you’re writing a book, starting a business, or running your first mile. But like Goggins, you don’t negotiate with it. You push through.
Every time you take action, resistance weakens. Each time you face it, you sharpen your edge. The battle never ends, but every step forward makes you stronger.
Take Action Today
My challenge to you is simple: Stop waiting. Take action today. Even if it’s small, even if it’s uncomfortable. The moment you stop waiting is the moment you start winning.
What’s one small step you can take today toward your goal? Write it down. Do it. And remember—momentum builds when you take action.
Stay focused, stay disciplined, and keep sharpening your edge.