From Stuck to Started: How Taking Action Changes Everything

Starting a business can be like deciding to run a marathon after watching one motivational video - it’s exciting, terrifying, and you’re probably wildly unprepared. The fear is real, especially when you hear things like, “1 in 5 businesses fail in their first year.” Cue dramatic gasp. (Who makes up these depressing stats, anyway?)
But here’s a little secret: just starting puts you miles ahead of most people. Seriously, the bar is so low, you can trip over it.

The Numbers Don’t Lie (But They’re Actually Kind of Encouraging)

Here’s what we’re working with:

  • Around 35.2% of UK adults dream about starting their own business. (according to Statista, London Business News, and others)
  • Of the 100% who express interest, 14.9% actually start a business. (yup, let THAT sink in)
  • Of those who start, 42.4% survive beyond five years.
  • The remaining 85.1% never start.

That means you are infinitely more likely to succeed by simply starting than by staying in the aspirational phase. The key takeaway: without starting, success is impossible. By starting, you enter a group with much better odds.

But What If I Fail?

Ah yes, the question that keeps us up at night. Here’s the thing: failure isn’t a death sentence. It’s just part of the process.

Let’s reframe it:

  • Failure = Free Education. Every mistake is a lesson. And unlike that overpriced business course you feel you need because you’re not ready, these lessons are directly applicable. Even if your first business doesn’t survive, you gain skills, resilience, and insight that dramatically improve your odds in future ventures. Every failed attempt builds the foundation for future success.
  • Setbacks Are Not Stop Signs. The fact that 42.4% of businesses survive beyond five years doesn’t mean the rest are complete failures. Many entrepreneurs pivot, rebrand, or evolve into entirely new opportunities. Setbacks can lead to reinvention, not ruin.
  • Everyone Fails. Airbnb started with an air mattress and cereal boxes. Walt Disney was fired for lacking imagination. If they can bounce back, so can you.

How to Get Started (Without Overthinking It to Death)

Start Small, Start Scrappy, Start NOW
Forget about launching the perfect business overnight. Start with a side hustle or a rough prototype. Test your idea with a small target audience and iterate based on their feedback. Even simple steps, like creating a prototype or pitching your idea to friends, get you moving in the right direction.

Create a Business Plan
A clear plan doesn’t just help secure funding; it also provides a roadmap for your journey.
Include your value proposition, target market, financial projections, and growth strategy. Think of it as your compass in unfamiliar territory.
If financial projections are too Pie in the Sky at the moment, use tools like Lean Canvas for a quick and adaptable approach to planning. Here’s a great one in Miro (big Miro fan here, not a commission sadly ;)).

Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Perfection is the enemy of action. Your first attempt doesn’t have to be flawless—it just has to exist. Get it out there and tweak as you go. Regularly review what’s working and what needs adjustment. Use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure progress.

Build Your Support Squad
Find your people. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend who’s been there, or a local entrepreneur group, surround yourself with folks who’ll hype you up (and call you out when you’re stalling). There’s a plethora or entrepreneurship forums, meetups, and support groups to find someone to help and cheer on you. And if you still find yourself lacking, reach out to me in the comments. I’ve been there before, and will happily support you.

One word of caution, though. Remember those 85.1%? Yeah, don’t listen to them, they’re no longer your people, but they might try to project their insecurities onto you. You’re better than that!

Learn as You Earn
You don’t need a fancy degree to start. Platforms like YouTube, Udemy, and Coursera are packed with free and affordable resources. Use what you need, when you need it. Take advantage of government grants, free mentorship programmes, and networking events. Many business incubators and local councils offer free workshops.

Celebrate the Little Wins
Did you register a domain name? High-five yourself. Did you make your first sale? Throw a party (or at least treat yourself to cake). Success is a series of small steps, so enjoy them.

The Biggest Hurdle: Getting Out of Your Own Way

Most people don’t fail because they’re not smart or capable – they fail because they never start. Fear convinces us to keep researching, keep planning, keep waiting for the “perfect” time. Spoiler: the perfect time doesn’t exist.

To move from aspiration to action, mindset is everything. Here are some powerful shifts to embrace:

  • Visualise Your Success: Spend time imagining what success looks and feels like. This mental rehearsal helps align your actions with your aspirations.
  • Shift From “What If” to “What’s Next”: Stop asking “What if I fail?” and start asking “What’s my next step?” This proactive mindset keeps you focused on possibilities, not problems.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise every milestone, no matter how small, as progress toward your goal. Did you register a domain name or sell your first product? Celebrate it.
  • Adopt a Resilient Mindset: Understand that setbacks are part of the process, not the end of it. Resilience is the hallmark of every successful entrepreneur.

Action is what turns dreams into reality. It’s messy, awkward, and sometimes terrifying – but it’s also how you grow.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start your business, this is it. You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need a 50-page business plan. You just need to take that first step.

The biggest hurdle for most aspiring entrepreneurs isn’t skill, time, or money—it’s fear. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of stepping outside the comfort zone. But here’s the truth:

  • Not starting guarantees a 0% chance of success.
  • Starting immediately increases your odds to 42.4% over five years.

Think of starting as crossing a threshold. Once you’re on the other side, the opportunities open up. You’ll find yourself learning, growing, and making connections you never imagined. Taking the leap doesn’t just change your odds; it changes your identity. You’re no longer just someone with a dream – you’re someone in motion.

Will it be scary? Probably. But it’ll also be exciting, rewarding, and transformative.

So, stop overthinking, start doing, and remember: the only way to guarantee failure is to never try. Now, go. Make the leap. You’ve got this.