Minimalist illustration of a man walking alone on a winding path into the distance, with bold text above reading 'How to Start When You’re Scared'—symbolizing the courage to take action despite fear.

01 Jun How to Start When You’re Scared: Stop Waiting and Take Action

Posted at 08:30h in Clarity by Anvar Mammadov 0 Comments
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Why You’re Stuck (And Why You Keep Lying to Yourself)

Let’s cut the crap.

You’re not “too busy, waiting for the right time.” You’re afraid.

Afraid of failing, what people will say. Afraid of how hard it might actually be.

You’re stuck in that familiar loop:

  • “I’ll start tomorrow.”
  • “Next week will be better.”
  • “New year, new me!”

But weeks turn into months. Months turn into years.

And deep down, you know it.

The real story? You’re scared you’ll start… and then quit. Or worse—you’re scared you’ll start and still suck at it.

Personal Experience: From Paralysis to Progress

I’m not writing this from a pedestal. I’m writing it from the trenches.

For years, I was the guy who couldn’t start. I told myself every excuse in the book:

“I just need one more book, one more podcast, one more secret hack, and THEN I’ll be ready.”

Spoiler alert: That “one more thing” never came.

I consumed thousands of hours of content. Read dozens of self-help books. Chased that mythical “perfect plan.”

Nothing changed. Because I wasn’t doing the one thing that actually moves the needle:

Starting.

I thought other people knew something I didn’t. They had some magic sauce that made them consistent, productive, successful.

Turns out? They just got moving. They committed before they felt ready.

The Truth About Change: You’re Not a Tree

Here’s a line that hit me hard—and maybe it’ll hit you too:

“You’re not a tree. You can move.”

We aren’t stuck being who we’ve always been.

Your past doesn’t define your future. Your current skills don’t limit your potential.

Jim Rohn said it best:

“How tall does a tree grow? As tall as it can.”

And guess what? You can grow as much as you’re willing to.

There are no chosen ones. No golden tickets.

The only thing holding you back? The BS story you keep telling yourself about why you can’t.

Talent Doesn’t Matter—Persistence Does

One of my favorite quotes comes from Chris Haueter, one of the first American black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:

“It’s not about talent—it’s about who’s left.”

The game isn’t about being the best right out of the gate.

It’s about sticking around long enough to outlast everyone who quits.

Small wins build confidence. Confidence builds momentum.

Momentum makes the hard things easier.

My Journey: From Construction to Coaching

I spent over a decade working in construction. When I started?

I couldn’t even hold a hammer properly.

Didn’t know what I was doing. Didn’t enjoy it.

But I stuck with it. A couple of years in, I started getting better. Eventually, I got so good that I was promoted to Manager—overseeing projects and teaching others how to improve their craft.

Same story with martial arts.

What began as “just for fun” turned into a full-time coaching career. I even moved to Dubai because of it.

If you had told me ten years ago this would be my life?

I would’ve laughed in your face.

But that’s the power of starting before you’re ready. And staying when it gets hard.

How to Start When You’re Scared (Action Plan)

Here’s the only plan you need:

  • Make a Mind Map: Write down the upside, downside, potential outcomes, and why this matters to you.
  • Give Yourself Permission to Quit (Later): Start. Give yourself the option to quit only after you’ve tried it for real.
  • Don’t Overthink It: Forget the perfect plan. You won’t know if something’s right for you until you’re in it.
  • Stack Small Wins: Focus on what you can do today—not what might happen a year from now.
  • Stay Long Enough to Get Good: You don’t need to be the best. You just need to keep showing up.

Final Kick (Takeaway)

There’s something calling you. You know it.

It’s that thing that keeps popping into your head at night, the idea that won’t leave you alone.

Stop waiting, consuming, telling yourself stories.

Just start.

📣 Ready to Take Action?

If you’re tired of waiting for motivation and ready to build the discipline that leads to real results, check out my other posts:

Remember, the journey to success starts with a single disciplined step. Take that step today.

Ready to Level Up Your Discipline?
Check out my free PDF guide on building real strength through discipline, not motivation. If you’re serious about taking ownership of your goals, this is where it starts.
👉 https://theanvarmethod.com/courses/
And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter to get powerful, no-BS insights every week on performance, mindset, and mastery—straight to your inbox.

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