Ever feel like your brain’s a blender, churning up a smoothie of doubts that stops you from starting something new?

That’s the “Brain vs. Blender” struggle!

Perfectionism, comparison, fear of failure, and even fear of success can paralyse us.

But here’s the good news: these aren’t signs you’re lazy—they’re your brain’s quirky way of protecting you from uncertainty.

Let’s unpack why we wait and how to hit the “start” button, with a sprinkle of humour and motivation for everyone, no matter your background.

Perfectionism is like trying to bake a cake that looks like it belongs on a magazine cover—before you’ve even cracked an egg.

Research suggests perfectionists set unrealistic standards, leading to procrastination and anxiety.

For example, you might avoid writing a blog post unless it’s Pulitzer-worthy. This all-or-nothing mindset can exhaust you and lower self-esteem. VeryWellMind

“Comparisonitis” hits when you see someone else’s highlight reel on Instagram and think,

“Their project is way better!”

Social media amplifies this, reinforcing unrealistic standards. Studies show that it’s a growing issue, especially among young people, which has doubled societal pressure since the 1980s. Harvard Summer School

Fear of failure, or atychiphobia, makes you imagine worst-case scenarios: “What if my startup crashes?”

This fear can lead to anxiety or depression, but it’s a common human response.

About 1 in 10 adults face specific phobias like this at some point. Cleveland Clinic

Surprisingly, fear of success is real!

It’s the worry that achieving your goal means more pressure or change.

For example, launching a successful app might mean managing a team—scary!

This fear can be as paralysing as the fear of failure.

Rainforest Mind

You’re not unmotivated—you’re human!

Your brain is just trying to keep you safe from the unknown, like a cautious friend saying, “Maybe don’t jump into that yet!”

Understanding these barriers as normal can help you move past them with compassion.

In a Tiny Buddha article, the author shares how perfectionism stopped her from trying new things.

She wouldn’t play music unless she could be a rock star, and she wouldn't decorate her home unless it was Pinterest-perfect.

Sound familiar?

Two moments changed her:

This led the author to pursue writing, despite fears of not being “good enough.” It’s a reminder: you don’t need to be perfect to start—you just need to try.

Here’s how to quiet the blender and get moving, based on research and real stories:

No matter your education level, these free resources can spark motivation:

Your brain’s blender of doubts doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re human. By understanding perfectionism, comparison, and fears as normal, you can take small, brave steps forward. Whether you’re inspired by a dog’s joy, a kid’s persistence, or research-backed strategies, the key is to start. Check out the free resources above, and let’s turn that blender into a smoothie of action!