Overcoming 5 mindset pitfalls when starting something new

We’ve all experienced starting out on something new…accepting a new job, moving to a new town, or starting a business. All of these things can be exciting, motivating, and challenging. But they can also be nerve-wracking and anxiety-provoking! We might feel lost, unsure, or demotivated.

The good news is, a lot of these negative feelings come from thinking patterns which we can change. 

Here are 5 common pitfalls when we are starting out on something new

1. Worry about other people’s expectations

We worry about what others might think of us. On one hand, we worry that people might judge us negatively. They might scoff at our new challenge, or dismiss it as a unobtainable dream. On the other hand, we might think people expect us to excel at something. What if we let them down or disappoint them?

2. Self-doubt

Even when we really want to achieve something, we might not believe that we can. We might lack confidence in our ability to actually do it. 

3. Lack of direction

It’s common to have a strong desire to do something new but to lack clarity about what exactly we want to achieve. We might be fed up with our current situation, but not know what we want our life to look like instead.

4. Overhwhelm

Once we have worked out what we want to achieve, the overwhelm can set in! We worry that it’s impossible to get from where we are now, to where we want to be. The challenge can feel big and scary. 

5. Comparison

We might compare ourselves to others who have pursued the path we are hoping to take. But we forget that if they've already achieved what we are aspiring to, they’ve had a huge headstart. 

So, how can we overcome these unhelpful patterns and set ourselves up for success?

1. Set your own expectations

Avoid being derailed by what (you think) others expect from you by setting some clear expectations of your own. Being clear about what you expect from yourself gives you a set of indicators of success. When you measure your progress against your own criteria, you’re less likely to be worried about what others expect. 

2. Believe in yourself

Remind yourself of when you’ve started out on something new in the past. We’ve all done it - whether it’s starting a new school, learning to drive, or making new friends. You have evidence that you can take on new challenges and overcome them. 

Make a list of your strengths and consider how each one could support you. If you struggle to do this, try asking a trusted friend or family member what positive qualities they see in you. 

3. Envision your destination

Get as clear as possible on where you’re hoping to get to. Don’t just focus on what you want to achieve, but also on why. What’s motivating you? What will be the benefits? What’s most exciting about your new venture? 

Check in with your values - does your goal align with what’s most important to you? And if not, what needs to change about your goal to make sure it’s right for you?

4. Break it down

Thinking about your big-picture goals can be motivating, but it can also be daunting. You might feel overwhelmed by the ambitious plans you’ve laid out. 

Break it down into smaller steps. What are the key milestones you’ll need to tick off along the way? What’s the first small step you can take to set you off in the right direction? 

This could be something as small as speaking to someone with relevant experience, reading a book on the topic, or journaling about your goal. Taking little steps in the right direction will build your confidence. It’s better to take a tiny step forward than not move forward at all because you’re feeling overwhelmed. 

5. Be inspired by others

Instead of comparing yourself to others, be inspired by them! Look up to those with more experience and consider what you can learn fom them. What did they do earlier on in their journey which might help you?

But remember there’s more than one way to reach a destination. Find your own path. Everyone’s journey is unique and everyone has a different starting point. Nobody’s path will be exactly the same as yours and that’s a wonderful thing.

These are simple (but powerful) tools. Yet that doesn’t mean they’re easy to put into practice on your own. Coaching can support you to explore your goals and develop an action plan. Are you ready to get started?