Alright, let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind lately—why is it so damn hard to act on the endless knowledge we’ve got at our fingertips? Like, you can Google literally anything right now: how to get fit, learn a new language, invest in stocks, or even how to write a better blog (yup, irony noted). But somehow, knowing all this stuff doesn’t automatically mean we’re doing anything about it. Why?
This is what I’m calling the paradox of internal inhibitions. We’re living in a world where information is abundant, almost too abundant, and yet, so many of us feel stuck. It’s like we’re surrounded by all these amazing tools but can’t seem to pick them up and use them. There is clearly an abundance of information available and internal struggles that prevent action. Let’s dig into this.
Information Overload is a Real Thing Link to heading
First off, there’s just too much. Imagine walking into a library with infinite shelves, and you need to pick one book. Overwhelming, right? That’s how the internet feels most of the time. The more choices we have, the harder it gets to make a decision. So, instead of picking one thing to act on, we freeze.
And it’s not just about picking. It’s about sorting through the noise. There’s good advice out there, but there’s also a ton of junk—contradictory opinions, outdated ideas, or just plain bad information. Figuring out what’s worth your time can feel like a full-time job.
Fear of Failure and Decision Paralysis Link to heading
Okay, let’s say you’ve sorted through the info. You’ve found your “one book” (or online course, or YouTube tutorial, or whatever). Now you’ve got another hurdle: what if you mess it up? What if you choose the wrong thing? This fear—fear of failure, fear of looking dumb, fear of wasting time—is one of the biggest blockers I’ve noticed in myself and others.
It’s wild when you think about it. We’re so worried about not doing it perfectly that we end up doing nothing. Perfectionism and procrastination are best friends, and they’re both keeping us from moving forward.
Self-Doubt and Internal Stories Link to heading
Let’s get real for a second. A lot of this comes down to the stories we tell ourselves. “I’m not smart enough to learn this.” “I’ll never be as good as that person.” “It’s too late for me to start now.” Sound familiar? These little internal narratives can be brutal.
The weird thing is, they’re often not even true. They’re just stories we’ve picked up along the way—from our upbringing, from society, from comparing ourselves to others. But they’re powerful enough to stop us in our tracks.
Emotional Readiness Link to heading
Another layer to this is emotional readiness. You might have all the tools and knowledge, but if you’re not emotionally in a place to act, it’s like trying to run on an empty tank. Stress, anxiety, or even just being in a bad mood can block us from taking action. Emotional readiness isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about being in a mental state where you’re open to challenges and willing to push yourself.
Emotions as Filters for Information Link to heading
Our emotions also act as filters for how we process information. Think about it: when you’re excited or motivated, everything feels possible. On the flip side, when you’re feeling low, even simple tasks can feel insurmountable. This emotional filter can skew how we see the information we’re consuming. If we’re not aware of this, it’s easy to get caught in a loop of negativity where every option feels like the wrong one.
Self-Perception and Growth Mindset Link to heading
Let’s talk about how we see ourselves. If you view yourself as someone who “just can’t do it,” that belief will shape your actions. On the other hand, adopting a growth mindset—the idea that you can improve with effort and time—can be a game changer. Self-perception isn’t fixed; it evolves as you challenge yourself. The more you push against your internal inhibitions, the more your mindset shifts toward growth.
Discipline and Habits Link to heading
Finally, let’s not forget about discipline and habits. Motivation is great, but it’s not always reliable. Discipline—showing up even when you don’t feel like it—is what gets things done. And habits? They’re like the autopilot of discipline. Once you build a habit, it’s easier to stay consistent without having to rely on willpower every time.
So, What Can We Do About It? Link to heading
Here’s the thing: knowing all this is step one. Awareness matters. Once you’ve named the problem, you can start to work on it. Here are a few things I’ve been trying (and let’s be clear, I’m still figuring this out too):
Start Small: You don’t need to dive in headfirst. Just take one small step. Want to get fit? Start with a 10-minute walk. Want to start writing a blog? Write small notes every day. Small wins build momentum.
Challenge Your Stories: When those negative thoughts pop up, question them. Ask yourself, “Is this actually true?” Often, it’s not. Replace “I’m not good enough” with “I’m learning, and that’s okay.”
Embrace Imperfection: You’re not going to get it perfect, and that’s fine. Messing up is part of the process. Celebrate progress.
Wrapping It Up Link to heading
We’re all a work in progress. The good news is, internal barriers aren’t permanent. They’re just speed bumps, not brick walls. The more we understand them, the better we get at moving past them.
So next time you’re scrolling through an endless feed of information and feeling stuck, remember: it’s not about knowing everything. It’s about taking the first step, no matter how small. And if you stumble, that’s just part of the journey. Let’s keep going, one step at a time.