7 Tiny Mindset Shifts That Turn “I Don’t Know Where to Start” Into “I’m Already on My Way”

Did you ever stood at the edge of a big dream and thought, “Where do I even start?”

You feel stuck. The thoughts start piling up:

• “I’m not ready.”

• “I don’t know enough.”

• “Maybe I’ll start when it’s perfect.”

Sound familiar?

It’s not laziness—it’s your brain trying to protect you. Staying safe. Avoiding risks.

I know because I’ve been there.

Back in June. I was lying on a white hospital bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling like I was sinking. The nurse handed me a medical bill the night before, and I remember holding it in my hands, thinking:
“I need to change something. I need to start. But where?”

I didn’t have the answers. I didn’t have a plan.

But here’s what I learned: safety doesn’t build the life you want—action does.

And action starts small.

These 7 mindset shifts are the same ones that helped me move forward when I thought I couldn’t.

They’ll help you too. One small step at a time.

1. Shift from “I don’t know where to start” to “What’s one small thing I can do now?”

A friend of mine once stared at a blank page for days, overwhelmed by writing her first blog post. “Where do I even start?” she asked.

My answer? “Write the title.”

That was it. One small step. And suddenly, the words started flowing.

You don’t need the whole plan. You just need momentum.

Try this:

• Brainstorm a few tiny tasks.

• Pick the easiest one.

• Commit to doing it today.

Want to get healthier? Don’t plan an entire workout routine. Just drink a glass of water right now.

One step is all it takes to move forward.

2. Replace “I’m not ready” with “I’ll learn on the way.”

Imagine waiting to feel ready before you dive into the ocean. You’d stand on the shore forever, staring at the waves.

Nobody starts as an expert. Your favorite author’s first draft was messy.

I still remember taking 3 hours to craft my first reel in CapCut. It was the hardest thing ever, and the worst video I ever edited.

You can't even find it because I deleted it after —I felt embarrassed (but now I kind of regret deleting it; I think it would be fun to see how I edited back then).

Everyone is just started as they know.

Here’s the reframe:

• Accept that “I’ll learn as I go.”

• Ask yourself, “What can I learn by actually doing?”

• Set a small, short-term goal.

Because the magic doesn’t happen before you start. It happens while you’re doing.

3. Focus on progress, not perfection.

I get it. You want it to be perfect.

But perfection is a trap disguised as productivity. You tweak. You overthink. And you never finish.

A friend of mine launched her business with a “terrible” website. She cringed at it.

But you know what? It worked. She got clients, learned what to improve, and kept going.

Here’s the shift:

• Repeat: “Done is better than perfect.”

• Set a small goal you can finish today.

• Publish the messy blog post. Share the unpolished idea.

Six months from now, you’ll look back and be shocked at how far you’ve come.

4. Break the dream into small steps.

Imagine standing at the bottom of a mountain. You look up and think, “I’ll never make it to the top.”

But you’re not climbing the whole mountain today. You’re just taking the first step on the trail.

Make the process easier:

• Write down your dream.

• Break it into phases.

• Turn phases into micro-tasks—tiny, manageable steps.

Every small win will remind you: “I’m moving forward.”

5. Surround yourself with action-takers.

Years ago, I noticed something. When I spent time with people who procrastinated, I did too.

We’d complain, we’d overthink, and we’d stay stuck.

But then I started hanging out with people who did things. They didn’t wait for the perfect time. They just got to work.

And guess what? Their energy rubbed off on me.

Ask yourself:

• “Do the people around me inspire me or hold me back?”

• Find a group or community chasing similar goals.

• Network with people who are one step ahead of where you want to be.

When you surround yourself with doers, you become one too.

6. Replace “I don’t know” with “I’ll figure it out.”

When you say “I don’t know,” your brain gives up.

You stop looking for answers.

But when you say “I’ll figure it out,” you’re back in control.

I had a friend who wanted to start a podcast but had no idea how. She asked: “What do I do first?” My reply? “Google it. Ask for help. Figure it out one piece at a time.”

Here’s what you can do:

• Ask better questions: “Who can I ask for help?”

• Start with what you do know.

• Break it down step by step.

You don’t need all the answers. Just start, and the answers will come.

7. Stop overthinking and start doing with the “2-Minute Rule.”

Overthinking is sneaky. You convince yourself you’re “preparing.” But really? You’re just avoiding action.

Enter the 2-Minute Rule: If it takes less than 2 minutes, do it right now.

• Write the title of your blog.

• Read one page of that book.

• Take a 2-minute walk.

Action leads to momentum, and momentum leads to change. Once you start, the rest feels easier.

Shift Your Thinking, Shift Your Life.

Here’s your roadmap:

1. Shift from “I don’t know where to start” to “What’s one small thing I can do now?”

2. Replace “I’m not ready” with “I’ll learn on the way.”

3. Focus on progress, not perfection.

4. Break the dream into small steps.

5. Surround yourself with action-takers.

6. Replace “I don’t know” with “I’ll figure it out.”

7. Stop overthinking—start doing.

Which mindset shift are you starting with today? Reply and let me know—I’m cheering for you.

Thank you so much for reading.

Talk soon,

Rae Swan