Picture a rocket sitting on the launchpad. It’s massive, powerful, and full of potential. But here’s the thing—getting it off the ground takes an enormous burst of energy. In fact, most of the rocket’s fuel is used just to break free of Earth’s gravity. After that, it’s smooth sailing. The hard part is simply getting started.

And that is the secret to getting yourself going, too.

Think about your own goals. Whether it’s launching a new project, prioritizing self-care, or finally tackling that big change you’ve been putting off, the hardest part is often the beginning. Why? Because you’re up against inertia—the natural tendency to stay at rest unless something pushes you to move.

In the quiet moments before a fresh start, your brain might start whispering doubts. “What if it’s too hard? What if I fail?” It’s tempting to stay where you are because it feels safe, even if you know deep down it’s not where you want to be. That’s because your subconscious brain encodes “familiar” as “safe,” no matter how painful the familiar status quo is. But here’s the good news: just like a rocket, once you push past the initial resistance, you’ll find momentum. And that’s when everything gets easier.

Or think about riding a bike. The first few pedal strokes feel like a slog. But once the wheels are turning, it’s easier to keep going. The same applies to setting goals. Take small, intentional steps, even when it feels like progress is painfully slow. Each effort builds on the last, and before you know it, you’ll have momentum carrying you forward.

Of course, January is the time of year when many of us decide to set goals. We’re ready to make changes, but don’t forget: motivation isn’t magic. It’s a skill you develop by taking action, not waiting for inspiration to strike.

So what’s your launchpad? Maybe it’s scheduling time for your goal or telling someone about it for accountability. Whatever it is, don’t wait for the “perfect moment” to start. Push through the gravity holding you back. Burn the fuel. Take that first step. The rest will be easier.

Soon, you’ll find yourself flying higher than you imagined possible. Remember, the hardest part is getting off the ground. After that, it’s all about keeping the momentum alive. 

The secret Ninja mind trick is this: remember that the first step is the hardest, so if you can just get yourself to take that first step, the rest will come more easily.

If you aren’t quite sure how to get yourself to take that first step, or you have trouble keeping going, I have ways to get you past that block. Just reach out and I can help.

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