The Trap of Almost Starting

I once sat in a coffee shop for 2 hours with my laptop open…

Never wrote a word.

I told myself I was “mapping out ideas.”

That I was “working on my brand.”

That I needed to “get clear before launching anything.”

But the truth?

Not from work.

From risk.

Because actually starting would mean being seen.
Being judged.
Failing publicly.

Facing silence after the thing I was proud of got posted, shipped, launched — and ignored.

So instead…

I tweaked.

Researched.

Reorganized the same page for the 7th time.

Scrolled Threads.

Listened to a podcast about someone else’s results.

Then I closed the tab. Went home.

And told myself: “At least I made progress today.”

But I didn’t.

I was just avoiding the moment that matters.

You know the one.

The moment where the cursor blinks.
The publish button waits.
The DM box sits open.
The offer page is one click from being real.

And you flinch.

Not because you don’t care.

But because you care too much.

That moment?

That’s the test.

Not the plan.
Not the prep.
Not the morning routine.

The test is: Will you move when it’s scary and uncertain… or will you stall and make it look productive?

Here’s what I know:

Every time I’ve grown…

Made money
Built something that lasted
Felt proud of who I’m becoming

It started in that moment.

The one that made my stomach tighten. Made me get cold sweats.

So if you’re in that space now…

Where it’s time to move.

But your brain is screaming wait... just a little longer...

Don’t listen.

Send the message.
Post the thing.
Ship the rough version.
Say the scary yes.

Almost is the most expensive place to live.

And you’ve been paying rent there long enough.

To your growth,
Vikko