By Colette Hapi

We’ve all been there – looking at a task, big or small, and thinking, “I’m not ready for this.” So, we put it off, thinking we need more time or prep. But here’s the thing: waiting for the perfect moment doesn’t always get us anywhere. Sometimes, the best way to tackle something is simply to start – before you feel totally “ready.”

Overthinking is like trying to jump into a pool, but you keep worrying about how cold the water is. You hesitate, you doubt, and the moment to jump passes by. The same thing happens in life when we overthink tasks, especially when we’re aiming for perfection. For example, when I’m playing drums, I sometimes find myself stuck in my head, overthinking every little beat. I focus so much on hitting the “perfect” note that I forget to just enjoy the rhythm. And when I freeze up like that, it usually leads to mistakes I wouldn’t have made if I’d just kept playing! Overthinking can make things feel way harder than they need to be.

But this isn’t just about drumming; we’ve all done this in other areas of life. Whether it’s starting a new project at work, signing up for a new class, or even making a change in our personal lives, it’s easy to feel like we need everything to be perfectly lined up before we take the first step. The truth? Most of the time, we just need to start. Overthinking can trap us in a cycle of doubt and indecision, but taking action breaks that cycle. The reality is, nobody ever feels completely ready for everything. Even the best drummers started by messing up a few times. Starting, even if you’re not fully ready, gets the ball rolling and often leads to more momentum than waiting around for the perfect moment. Taking action is the first – and hardest – step! Here are some of the things that I do to get myself started:

Start Small
Instead of thinking, “I have to master this entire song,” I’ll focus on just a few bars. This makes things feel more manageable, and once I get into it, the rest feels like a breeze. Whether it’s a work project, a new habit, or a fitness goal, start with small tasks. Don’t try to tackle everything at once. That small step is enough to get you moving forward.

Let Go of Perfection
Who needs perfection? Not me! I remind myself that messing up on a beat doesn’t mean the whole performance is ruined; it’s part of the fun. Mistakes happen! The pressure to be perfect can hold us back, but remember that imperfection is normal. Whether it’s an awkward conversation, a DIY project, or learning a new skill, the journey is all about trying, learning, and growing.

Use the 5-Minute Rule
I set a timer for five minutes to play, no pressure. That’s usually enough to get me into the groove, and I end up playing much longer because I’ve loosened up. Try this with any task. Commit to five minutes of doing the thing you’ve been avoiding, whether it’s tackling that email, organizing your desk, or doing a quick workout. You’ll often find it easier to keep going once you start.

Play with Others
Jamming with a friend or playing in a group is a great way to stop overthinking. The focus shifts to the music, and I get to enjoy the experience without worrying if I’m hitting every note perfectly. Sometimes, sharing a task with someone else, whether it’s collaborating on a work project or learning something new together, can take the pressure off. Plus, it’s a lot more fun!

So, next time you feel like you’re not ready for something, remember: the best way to get started is to just dive in. Whether you’re drumming, working on a project, or tackling life, starting before you feel ready is often the key to making progress, having fun, and even enjoying the little mistakes along the way.