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I think our brains have a favorite hobby.

They make lists.

Not grocery lists or to-do lists.

Lists of everything that could go wrong.

Why now isn't the right time. Why you're too busy. Why you don't know enough. Why someone else could do it better.

The funny thing is...we rarely realize we're only reading one list.

Try This Five-Minute Exercise

Grab a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle.

On the left, write down every reason you feel stuck. Don't edit yourself. Just get it all out of your head.

Maybe your list looks something like this:

• I don't have enough time.
• I can't afford it.
• It's the wrong season.
• I'm not experienced enough.
• I'll start when life slows down.

Now switch to the right side.

Imagine someone who believes in you is sitting across the table.

Instead of asking, "Why won't this work?" ask:

• What possibilities would they see?
• What question would they ask me?
• What's one small step they'd encourage me to take?

Don't worry about solving everything today.

Just start the second list.

Here's What I Didn't Expect

I've done this exercise more than once, and almost every time the left side fills up first.

Not because there are more obstacles.

Because our brains are wired to notice them first.

That one realization changed how I make decisions. And honestly...I still catch myself doing it.

The Story Behind the Exercise

This little exercise came from a conversation that completely changed how I think about dreams, momentum, and taking the next step.

Five years later, I still come back to it whenever I find myself drifting toward "maybe someday."

If you're curious how four simple words changed the direction of my life, I shared the whole story in this week's blog.

👉 Read: Feeling Stuck? Here's How to Take the Next Step →​

One Last Thought...

Before you close this email, look back at your paper.

Which side filled up faster?

That answer tells you more than you might think.

I'd love to hear what surprised you.

Just hit Reply and tell me the first thing you wrote in your right-hand column. (I really do read every email that comes in.)

Celebrating with you,

Terrie

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