Hey there,

I know you’re here because you’re chasing something bigger—a better version of yourself, a life that feels more aligned, more fulfilling.

But let’s be real: the journey isn’t always smooth. Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we feel stuck, like something invisible is holding us back from making real progress.

Here’s the good news: you’re not alone. And more importantly, those blocks you’re feeling? They’re not permanent. I’ve been there, and I’ve learned that the things keeping us stuck often come down to

3 surprising barriers we place on ourselves.

Today, I want to share what those barriers are and, most importantly, how to overcome them. Because once you do, you can start to build the momentum you’ve been needing. Let’s dive in.

Why this matters

One of the biggest barriers to growth is the fear of being judged or misunderstood. It’s natural to want to be liked and accepted, but when that desire outweighs your goals, it becomes a problem. If you’re constantly worrying about what others think, you’ll find yourself stuck, unable to take the risks required for real growth.

1. Fear of judgment stops growth: Allowing fear of being disliked or misunderstood can prevent action.

2. Being liked vs. achieving goals: If being liked and understood is more important than achieving your goals, you will not grow.

   being liked 😍 > goals 🎯 = you remain stuck 🤦‍♀️ 

3. Surround yourself with inspiring people:

   • Surround yourself with individuals who inspire and elevate you, spend less time with people who may be dragging you down…

   • This can be extremely difficult—so take it with a grain of salt.

4. Accept being misunderstood:

   • Growth requires discomfort, including judgment and misunderstanding from others.

   • Sometimes judgment can be a sign of being on the right path.

To move forward, you need to stop looking for approval and start asking yourself: “Do I respect and approve of the decisions I’m making?” When you let go of the need to be understood by everyone, you make room to grow.

1. Self-support over external validation: Prioritize self-approval and alignment with your goals (I know this is easier said than done)

2. Cues to adopt

   • Ask yourself: “Is this person living the life I want?”

   • Think to yourself: “Let me be misunderstood”

Reflection prompt:

If you weren’t worried about being judged, what is one thing you would do differently in your life starting today?

It’s easy to say you want success, but do your actions back it up? Achieving any goal requires sacrifice, and too often, we choose comfort over doing the hard things. I mean, if it wasn’t hard, then everyone would be successful.

1. Actions define true desires: Saying you want success without backing it up with effort means you don’t truly want it.

2. Discomfort is the cost of achievement:

   • Most dreams require sacrificing comfort.

   • Example: Entrepreneurs often sacrifice leisure, steady income, and personal autonomy to build their businesses.

3. False priorities: People often choose comfort over their goals 

   • comfort 💤 > goals 🎯 

   • Example: Avoiding networking because it feels awkward, skipping workouts because they’re inconvenient, or procrastinating on difficult tasks for short-term ease.

True commitment means cutting off alternatives and prioritizing the work over the desire for comfort. Once you shift your mindset from what you want to what you’re willing to give, you’ll unlock your ability to stay consistent and focused.

1. Reward the process, not just outcomes:

   • Focus on consistent effort and small wins rather than immediate results.

   • This way you train your brain to love the process, not just the results, and then you’ll be able to persevere with very delayed gratification.

2. Define your goals by what you’re willing to give up—not what you want

   • Write down what sacrifices your goal demands and assess your willingness to make them.

   • If you’re not willing to give up your hobbies—that’s totally fine! But be honest with what you truly value.

Reflection prompt:

What’s one small action you can commit to daily that aligns with your goal, even if it’s uncomfortable?

Here’s a truth that changed everything for me: confidence doesn’t come before action—it’s the result of it. Waiting to “feel ready” is just a way to delay starting. You’ll never feel completely prepared, and that’s okay.

1. Confidence comes from action: Confidence isn’t a prerequisite for action; it’s the result of taking action.

   The process of gaining confidence:

   Action → Experience → Competence → 😃 Confidence

Remember, confidence grows when you prove to yourself that you can act even when you’re unsure. The more you take those steps, the stronger your belief in yourself will become.

1. View failure as part of the process and an opportunity for feedback.

2. Take uncertain and imperfect action:

   • Being disciplined in private, builds confidence in public

   • Don’t wait for perfect conditions or complete information.

   • Imperfect action creates results and accelerates growth.

Reflection prompt:

Think about a time you took action even when you were uncertain. How did that experience build your confidence? How can you replicate that now?

In this episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, Mel dives deep into the science of confidence and how it’s built through action, not perfection. She shares practical, research-backed strategies to help you feel unstoppable and take decisive action in your life.

💡 Why Listen:

• Learn how confidence is a result of taking action, not a prerequisite.

• Discover simple tools to stay motivated, even when fear or self-doubt creeps in.

• Get inspired to move past "feeling ready" and start doing.

📌 My Takeaway: One of the most powerful lessons I learned from this episode is the idea that confidence is like a muscle—you have to exercise it consistently by doing hard, uncomfortable things.

🎙️ Listen here: Mel Robbins Podcast - Toolkit for Confidence

Remember, every step you take toward growth—no matter how small—is a win. You’ve got this, and I’m here cheering you on. Whether it’s shutting down that inner critic, choosing the harder (but more rewarding) path, or taking a leap of faith even when you feel uncertain, your future self will thank you for showing up today.

Now it’s time to put these insights into action. You’re closer than you think to the version of you that you’ve been dreaming about.

Until next time,

Becoming Her Team

PS: Hit reply and let me know which barrier resonates most with you—or share your own tips for overcoming it! I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to let us know what you liked or disliked about this weeks email. We read them all :)