WHY THE FIRST STEP IS THE HARDEST

Linus Okorie writes about the power of small steps 

We have all been there—facing down the decision to start something new, a step toward a goal, or a commitment to change. You feel the pressure of its importance, but somehow, instead of starting, you linger in place. Why does taking the first step feel so intimidating?

The struggle to start is not always laziness or lack of desire; it is anticipatory anxiety. A phenomenon that shows that our brains are wired to protect us from the unknown, magnifying fears, doubts, and insecurities the moment we consider leaving our comfort zones. This resistance to change is normal, but if left unchecked, it becomes a barrier to progress and fulfilment.

However, the good news is that anyone can overcome the inertia of that first step by understanding the mental blocks at play and using simple strategies to break them. Several mental barriers often keep us from taking the first step, and one of the most common is fear of failure. The fear of falling short can paralyze us before we even try. Whether starting a business, applying for a dream job, or writing a book, we are often haunted by “what if” questions that focus on negative outcomes.

Perfectionism is another key barrier, and perfectionists are especially susceptible to paralysis by analysis. They hesitate to start until they feel everything is perfectly planned or the conditions are ideal, making them wait endlessly. Additionally, the enormity of a goal can be overwhelming. Sometimes, reaching the top of a mountain looks insurmountable, and that perception alone can be enough to keep us from climbing.

Finally, fear of the unknown adds another layer of difficulty. As humans, we gravitate toward familiarity, and venturing into uncharted territory can activate our primal “fight or flight” instincts. This is why even positive change can cause apprehension. When you realize that these psychological hurdles are normal, they become less personal and easier to manage. Recognizing that the reluctance you feel is a natural part of the process can be the first step in disarming it.

Knowing the psychological roadblocks is only half the battle. To overcome them, you need actionable strategies. A powerful approach is to break down the goal into small, achievable tasks. The prospect of starting an enormous task can be paralyzing, so break it into smaller steps. Consider an aspiring author: instead of setting out to “write a best-selling book,” the task can be simplified to “write 300 words per day.” This shift reframes the goal, making it manageable and easier to begin. Psychologists recommend the “two-minute rule”—if you are putting off something, commit to doing just two minutes of it. For instance, if you want to start a fitness routine, begin with two minutes of stretching. More often than not, you will want to keep going after those initial minutes.

Shifting focus from results to the process also helps. When we focus exclusively on results, it amplifies anxiety. Instead, focus on engaging in the process itself. A Harvard study found that people who emphasize learning over achievement experience less stress and are more likely to start projects. This focus on the process makes each step its own reward, reducing the pressure tied to achieving a particular outcome.

Visualizing success while also preparing for setbacks is another effective strategy. Visualization is powerful, but so is preparing for obstacles. When you imagine yourself succeeding, it primes your mind for positive action. However, studies show that balanced visualization—where you also anticipate challenges and plan how to respond—leads to greater persistence and resilience. One exercise that may help is called “mental contrasting.” Visualize your success, then think of potential obstacles, and plan how you will overcome them. This technique reduces your fear of failure by reframing obstacles as part of the journey.

Lastly, embrace imperfection. Perfectionism is often the enemy of progress. Embrace the idea that your first attempt does not have to be flawless; it just has to be a start. It is better to start messy and refine as you go than to wait indefinitely for the perfect moment.

The truth is that taking small initial actions has a cumulative effect that can lead to enormous achievements. This phenomenon, known as the “snowball effect,” leverages the power of momentum. Once you begin, each completed action builds confidence, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment, which propels you forward.

James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, illustrates how small, consistent actions compound over time. Clear advocates for a 1% improvement each day, which can result in remarkable progress. If you improve just 1% daily, you will be 37 times better after a year. This approach, which emphasizes small, manageable actions, has helped millions build successful habits and reach goals that once seemed impossible.

History is filled with stories of individuals whose first steps led to monumental success in their careers. Oprah Winfrey was a small-town news anchor who struggled with self-doubt and rejection in her early career. Her first step was to take a low-paying job in television news that ultimately gave her a name in media. Another example is J.K. Rowling, who before becoming one of the best-selling authors of all time, was a struggling single mother, rejected by 12 publishers. The first step of writing Harry Potter in a small café, despite her circumstances, was her pivotal moment. Each small task involved completing chapters, submitting manuscripts, and revising them eventually led to her success.

Every thriving business today was once a startup driven by founders who dared to take the first step and relentlessly pursue their vision. The story of Steve Jobs and the inception of Apple are business case studies of compound effect. In 1976, Jobs and his partner Steve Wozniak started Apple from a garage, building a prototype that did not have all the answers but served as a crucial first step. From there, each small step involved repairing the prototype, finding an investor, improving the product that grew Apple into one of the world’s most valuable companies. He even launched other successful companies by leveraging Apple’s earlier success.

Elon Musk also exemplifies the power of small steps. Musk’s vision for SpaceX seemed unrealistic at first. After multiple failed rocket launches, many wrote off the company. Yet, Musk’s incremental steps, from securing funding to engineering solutions for each failure, ultimately led to SpaceX’s success in launching and reusing rockets, a breakthrough in space technology.

The journey to achievement and fulfilment is often starts with a single, sometimes scary step. Recognizing that it is normal to feel intimidated by beginnings is crucial. You need to understand the psychological barriers that hold you back, employ practical strategies to start with confidence, and embrace small steps.

The first step is the hardest—but also the most important. As Confucius said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Embrace that truth, and you will find that even the smallest actions can lead to profound accomplishments. Remember, greatness often begins with a hesitant first step. The only way to unlock your potential is to take it.

 Okorie MFR is a leadership development expert spanning 30 years in the research, teaching and coaching of leadership in Africa and across the world. He is the CEO of the GOTNI Leadership Centre