Feeling overwhelmed as you start your business or creative project? Here’s why—and what to do about it.

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Let’s just be honest: the first time you do something new, it usually feels really hard. Whether you’re starting a business, creating your first website, launching a podcast, or just learning how to use a new tool, it can feel frustrating, confusing, and slow. Maybe way slower than you thought it would.

If you’re in that season right now, I want you to know: that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. In fact, it means you’re doing something exactly right.

We tend to forget that when we try something for the first time, we’re not just doing the task—we’re also building new mental and emotional muscles around it. Just like going to the gym after a long time off, your brain is learning how to “lift” in a whole new way. So if you’re building something new and it’s feeling like a struggle… here’s why that’s totally normal—and how to make it easier.

P.S. Prefer to listen? Check out Episode 167 of the Bright Life Podcast: Starting Something New? It’s NORMAL If It’s Harder in the Beginning [You’re in the Right Place].

The First Time Always Takes 10x More Energy

One of the things I often tell my clients is this: it takes ten times longer to do something the first time than it will the second, third, or tenth.

When I was first starting out in my business, I remember spending hours—literal hours—writing a single blog post for a new client. Not because I didn’t know how to write, but because it was all new. I was learning their industry, their tone, their messaging, their goals. Every sentence felt like a stretch.

But now? I can often write a blog in under an hour. Because I’ve done it thousands of times. My brain knows the path. The neural pathways are already there.

So if you’re doing something for the first time—maybe creating your first client project, building a portfolio, figuring out what software to use—it makes sense that it feels harder and slower. You’re laying the groundwork for all future ease. It’s not wasted effort—it’s the necessary effort.

Starting Something New Is Like Building Muscle

We accept that muscles need time to grow. That our first time back at the gym is going to be awkward, tiring, and maybe even a little embarrassing. We know it’s part of the process. But when it comes to building a business, starting a creative project, or learning a new skill? We expect ourselves to be experts on day one.

Let’s normalize giving ourselves the same grace we would at the gym. You’re building muscle memory. You’re strengthening confidence. You’re training your mind and emotions to support you in a new way. Just like it takes reps to feel strong physically, it takes reps to feel capable in your work. Give yourself the space to show up, make mistakes, learn, and try again.

The Work You’re Doing Now Will Pay Off Later

Right now, you may be spending hours building your website, creating client samples, or writing your About page. It may feel like no one sees the effort—and it’s taking forever.

But here’s what I promise you: what you’re building now will serve you for years.

Once you’ve made your first portfolio, you’ll be able to add new projects with ease. Once you’ve gotten those first few testimonials, landing the next client will be that much easier. Once you’ve built the foundation, your momentum will multiply.

The season you’re in now is about planting seeds. Your future self will thank you for every one of them.

Don’t Quit in the Dip

Marketing expert Seth Godin talks about something he calls the Dip—that frustrating middle part between starting something and finally seeing success. It’s the messy, hard, uncomfortable stretch where you don’t know if you’re making progress. And for many people, it’s the moment they give up.

But if you can keep going—if you can push through that Dip—you’ll not only build something meaningful, but you’ll also create a gap between you and anyone else who quit too soon. That consistency, that resilience, becomes part of what makes your business or creative path sustainable.

So if you’re in the Dip right now? Keep going. It gets better. Truly.

You’re Already Doing the Hardest Part

If you’ve taken any action toward your dream—if you’ve started a business, put your work out there, left a job, or even just said your dream out loud—you’ve already done the hard thing. You’ve chosen courage over comfort. You’ve said yes to something unknown. That’s not something most people do.

So please don’t measure your success only by your immediate results. Measure it by your bravery. By the fact that you’re in it. That you’re learning, trying, and showing up even when it’s hard. That’s a win in itself.

Hold the Vision (And Give It Time)

The person you’ll be a year from now? She’s going to look back and be so proud that you didn’t quit. She’s going to be thriving in the business, project, or lifestyle you’re building right now. She’s going to feel more confident, more equipped, and more free—because you put in the work now to make that possible. So hold the vision. Know it’s normal to feel like it’s taking forever. And trust that every hour you’re spending now is paving the way for more ease and flow ahead.

💛 I’m cheering you on every step of the way. And if you’re in this season right now—if you’re figuring it out, feeling the growing pains, wondering if it’s supposed to feel this hard—I just want you to know: it is so normal. And you are doing so well. Let me know in the comments so I can cheer you on.

More to Support You in Your Brightest Life & Biz

✨ Discover Your Passion: This free workbook will help you uncover your passion and purpose—whether you’re looking for more joy or fulfillment, to reignite your spark, or to turn your passion into a business. Get instant access >

✨ Find Your Brilliant Business Idea: If you’ve ever wanted to start a business but had no idea where to begin, this free workbook will help you turn your experience and interests into a profitable business idea. Get started here >

✨ Read My Book, Your Bright Life: Feel encouraged, supported, and inspired as you get clear on what you want, overcome self-doubt, and bring your dreams to life. Get your copy >