Brave Enough to Start: What to Do When Self-Doubt Slows You Down

Brave Enough to Start: What To Do When You Feel Stuck or Not Good Enough

There are so many moments in life where we want to make a change, start something new, or finally go after something meaningful. or pursue our dreams - but we don’t. Not because we’re lazy, not talented, or unmotivated, but because we’re scared we’re not good enough.

Maybe it sounds like:

  • “I’m not ready yet.”

  • “I don’t have what it takes.”

  • “Other people are better at this.”

  • “Who am I to even try?”

I know that voice all too well.
For a long time (before The Elevated Esthetician was ever born), I didn’t believe I was the kind of person who could actually pursue my dreams - let alone build something I was immensely proud of. It wasn’t something I was taught to believe or grew up exposed to in my family. So for a long time, I kept my dreams hidden.


What helped me to finally take a brave step and move forward - slowly, gently - were very small steps, moments of clarity, and the unwavering passion I had for my ideas.

Honestly? I wish I had a resource like this YEARS ago. Something soft, honest, and supportive that didn’t make me feel like I had to hustle or be fearless - just something that helped me believe I was allowed to begin, one tiny step at a time.

That’s why I created the Brave Enough to Start Toolkit. I made it for people like my sisters - and like me - who just need a little help getting started, especially when the fear of not being good enough gets in the way, and especially growing up in a more traditional household.

Why We Get Stuck

When we’re carrying self-doubt, perfectionism, or comparison, it’s easy to stay stuck. You start to second-guess everything. You overthink. You delay. You feel overwhelmed just trying to figure out where to begin.

That’s not a flaw in you - it’s your mind and body trying to protect you from discomfort, failure, or judgment.

But here’s the hard part: waiting until you feel ready (whatever that means!) often keeps you stuck exactly where you are. And like I always say, “nothing changes if nothing changes.”
You don’t need a five-year plan or a confidence overhaul. You just need a place to begin - gently and honestly.

What Helps Instead

Here are a few things I’ve learned and included in this toolkit:

1. Start by calming your body.
When you feel anxious or stuck, don’t push. Get grounded first. A few slow breaths. A hand on your heart. A moment of quiet. A moment of care. Then move forward from there.

2. Don’t chase the “perfect” first step.
Forget the best or smartest move - just take the next small step that feels do-able to you. The first step is the hardest, so once you take that first step, celebrate yourself hard.

3. Allow it to be messy.
You don’t need to get everything right. You’re allowed to try. You’re allowed to take your time. You’re allowed to begin even if you’re unsure, especially if you’re unsure. The more you can get used to the messy middle, the easier it gets.

A Toolkit for Starting Where You Are

The Brave Enough to Start Toolkit is a gentle, supportive, thoughtfully curated digital product created to help you move through self-doubt and take your first small step.

Inside, you’ll find:

  • A short Introduction to ease you in

  • A Quick Calm Guide with simple grounding tools

  • An honest, encouraging Pep Talk to quiet your inner critic

  • A Clarity Worksheet + Journaling Prompts to help you figure out what you actually want

  • A thoughtful Next Steps Page so you’re not left wondering what to do next

It’s not a rigid planner or productivity tracker.
It’s a soft place to gather yourself. A resource that says: “You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be willing.”

You can check it out here.

You Don’t Have to Wait to Feel Ready

I spent years waiting - for more confidence, more proof, more permission.
But I’ve learned that bravery often shows up after you begin, not before.

This toolkit isn’t a magic fix. But it is a starting point. One that helps you feel calm, clear, and supported enough to try - even when you’re scared. Especially when you’re scared.

So if you’re in a season where you’ve been doubting yourself, putting things off, or feeling stuck, this is your reminder:

You are allowed to start small.
You are allowed to feel unsure.
You are still brave - even if your steps are quiet.

Whenever you're ready, I'm cheering you on.

Lisa Tran