Why Getting Started Is So Hard—and How to Break Through
We’ve all been there. The alarm goes off, and the idea of leaving the warm comfort of your bed feels impossible. Marcus Aurelius captured this timeless struggle 2,000 years ago when he wrote, “At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I was not made to huddle under blankets but to do the work of a human being.’” He acknowledged the cold, the discomfort, and the temptation to stay put, but his reminder was simple: we are meant for action, not stagnation.
Yet knowing this doesn’t make it easier. Steven Pressfield calls this force resistance—the invisible, universal enemy that stops us from acting. Resistance whispers excuses in your ear: “Stay in bed. Start tomorrow. What’s one more day?” It’s sneaky, showing up as doubt, overwhelm, or a sudden obsession with perfecting the plan before you start.
The truth is, resistance isn’t personal—it’s part of being human. Everyone, from beginners to experts, feels it. The difference lies in how we respond. And often, the key to overcoming it isn’t more willpower or information—it’s clarity.
This is where many people get stuck. Let’s say you want to get in shape. You start researching, but the sheer volume of advice—lifting weights, doing cardio, eating low-carb, counting macros—is overwhelming. What’s the best choice? What if you pick the wrong plan? Frustration builds, and instead of taking action, you find yourself doing nothing.
That’s the trap of information without action. And it’s why hiring a coach can be transformative.
A coach doesn’t just tell you what to do—they simplify the process and guide you toward action. Instead of drowning in options, you get a plan tailored to your specific challenges and progress. Feeling overwhelmed? Your coach cuts through the noise and assigns you clear, achievable steps. Not seeing results? They adjust the plan based on your feedback and progress.
Take Cindy, for example. She’d spent years trying to get fit, bouncing between online programs and fad diets. Each time, she gave up—not because she lacked motivation, but because she felt lost and unsure of what would work for her. When Emily finally hired a coach, everything changed. Her coach started with small, manageable steps—three 20-minute workouts a week—and built on her progress. They celebrated her wins, no matter how small, and held her accountable when she felt resistance creeping in.
The difference was clarity. Cindy didn’t have to waste time second-guessing herself or searching for answers. Her coach provided a clear path forward, tailored to her life, goals, and schedule.
The benefits of working with a coach go beyond saving time. Coaches create accountability, reminding you of your “why” when motivation fades. They know when to push and when to encourage, helping you move past resistance without burning out. They also ensure your effort is focused where it matters most, so you see results faster and avoid the frustration of spinning your wheels.
Starting is never easy. Resistance will always show up. But with the right support, you don’t have to face it alone. Whether it’s leaving the warmth of your bed, committing to a fitness routine, or tackling a new goal, a coach can turn frustration into clarity and clarity into action.
Ready to Take Action?
Start right now with one free, simple step:
Write down one action you can take today—it could be as small as putting on your workout shoes, drinking a glass of water, or walking for five minutes. Commit to doing it, no matter what.
Ready for more clarity, focus, and support, let us help you. At Elevate Health & Performance, we specialize in tailoring plans to your unique goals and challenges. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your progress to the next level, our coaches will guide you every step of the way.
Visit us at Elevate Health & Performance to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you overcome resistance and turn your goals into reality.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.