Feeling Stuck? 7 Steps on How to Move Forward with Confidence

Hey mate,

How many times have you caught yourself saying some version of this:

"I'd love to try that, but I need to do more research first or "I'm not sure I'm qualified enough to even apply for that job."

If you're anything like me, the answer is: way too many times.

We humans have a nasty habit of letting the need for certainty hold us back.

We convince ourselves that we have to have all the answers, check every box, and dot every "i" before we can take action.

But what if I told you that approach is exactly what's keeping you stuck?

The truth is, the fastest way to know if something will work for you is to just... try it.

Proceed without certainty.

Life doesn't come with a trial period or a money-back guarantee.

There's no step-by-step guide on becoming who you're meant to be.

Every day, you're writing a story without knowing the ending.

Think about my own experience before writing daily on Threads.

For years, I was a content consumer, spending hours scrolling through posts and videos.

But it wasn't until I started creating my own content that I really began to grow.

Ideating, writing, and engaging with the community - that's where the magic happened.

That’s when it hit me: The growth I was searching for wasn’t in the next book or course—it was in the doing, the experimenting, the exchange of ideas.

The act of creation is where the real transformation occurs. 

So, how do you move forward when you’re not 100% sure of the outcome Here’s where the magic happens.

The 70% Rule: Start Before You're Ready

What It Is: If you have 70% of the information or confidence you think you need, that’s your green light to go. Waiting for 100% certainty often means you’ll miss out on golden opportunities.

How It Helps: This rule encourages action. It reduces the paralysis that comes from overthinking, nudging you to move forward even when everything isn’t perfectly clear.

The Pilot Episode Approach: Experiment Small, Win Big

What It Is: This is all about starting small. Want to launch a personal brand or begin content creation? Instead of going all-in, try posting just one piece of content on Threads or Medium. Think of it as your ‘pilot episode.’

How It Helps: By starting small, you minimize risk. It’s a way to experiment, gather feedback, and refine your approach. You get to build confidence and gain insights without overwhelming yourself.

The "What’s the Worst That Could Happen?" Technique

What It Is: Sometimes, the fear of failure can be paralyzing. To combat this, visualize the worst-case scenario if things don’t go as planned. Then ask yourself, "How would I handle it?"

How It Helps: This technique often reveals that the worst-case scenario isn’t as catastrophic as imagined. Knowing you can handle the downside makes it easier to move forward with your decision.

The Milo Test: Think Long-Term

What It Is: Fast forward 10 years in your mind. Imagine yourself looking back on the decision you’re facing today. Which option would “Future You” regret not taking?

How It Helps: This test shifts your focus from short-term fears to long-term fulfillment. It helps you prioritize decisions that align with your future goals, ensuring that today’s choices set you up for tomorrow’s success.

Chunking Down: Small Steps, Big Progress

What It Is: Feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of a task? Break it down into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if launching a personal brand feels daunting, start with something simple: pick a platform, choose a name, write a bio. One step at a time.

How It Helps: By breaking down big tasks, you make them more approachable. This strategy reduces overwhelm and allows you to make consistent progress, one small step at a time.

Embrace the Growth Mindset: Learn by Doing

What It Is: Adopting a growth mindset means believing that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. Mistakes and failures aren’t setbacks; they’re opportunities for growth.

How It Helps: This mindset reduces the fear of failure by focusing on the learning and growth that come from taking action. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making progress and evolving through the process.

The Rule of Three: Simplify Your Actions

What It Is: Each day, identify three key tasks or actions that will move you closer to your goal. Focus on completing these, and consider anything beyond them a bonus.

How It Helps: This rule simplifies decision-making and reduces overwhelm. By limiting the number of actions you need to take each day, you ensure steady progress without feeling overloaded.

As philosopher Søren Kierkegaard so wisely said,

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards."

You can't wait for certainty to start living, because by the time you're certain, the moment has passed.

Certainty is an illusion - even the surest thing in life can change in an instant.

So why not let go of the need to know everything?

Just take that first messy step, even if the path ahead isn't crystal clear.

So what's the thing you've been wanting to try, but have been putting off because you're "not ready" yet?

Maybe it's reaching out to that person you admire.

Or pitching that dream client.

Or finally starting that side hustle you've been dreaming about.

Whatever it is, I challenge you to do it.

Take the first step, even if you can't see the full path ahead.

Because the only thing you can be truly certain of is this:

The fastest way to know if something will work for you is to try it.

So go forth, my friend.

Embrace the unknown.

Listen to that inner voice nudging you towards action today.

The only certainty is this: Your future self will thank you for it.

Onward!
Vikko

P.S.

#1: Remember, you don't have to have it all figured out. Just focus on taking that first small, uncertain step. The rest will follow.

#2: Have you seen my Threads account? I’m giving my best to create valuable content that I think you’ll like.

#3: Want to know how 30 minutes every Sunday can change the course of your week? Check it out here.