🧠 Brain vs. Blender: Why We Wait

Introduction

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.

Understanding the Barriers

Perfectionism: The “It’s Gotta Be Perfect” Trap

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: The Social Media Scroll of Doom

“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: The “What If I Look Dumb?” Panic

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

Fear of Success: The “What If I Can’t Keep Up?” Twist

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

The TechSheThink Translation

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.

A Quirky, Motivational Story

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:

• Her Dog’s Wisdom: Her pup was happy just chasing its tail, teaching her that joy doesn’t need perfection.

• A Kid’s Courage: Watching a 10-year-old girl repeatedly try (and fail) to climb a rock wall at a fair showed her that persistence beats perfection. The girl’s grin after every fall was pure inspiration.

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.

Practical Steps to Start

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

1. Reframe Expectations: “Perfect is the enemy of good.” Start with a rough draft or a small step. Harvard Summer School

2. Ditch Comparison: Limit social media to avoid the comparison trap. Focus on your unique path.

3. Embrace Failure: See failure as a lesson. J.K. Rowling’s rejections didn’t stop her—why should yours? ABrilliantMind

4. Ease Into Success: Break big goals into tiny steps. Success is a journey, not a sprint.

5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Try mindfulness or journaling to manage stress. Counselling Directory

Free Resources for Inspiration

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

• Blogs:

  • Tiny Buddha: Relatable stories on overcoming fears.

  • Mind Cafe: Tips on mental health and productivity.

  • Pick the Brain: Practical self-improvement advice.

• Podcasts:

  • “The Tim Ferriss Show”: Interviews with high-achievers on overcoming obstacles.

  • “TED Talks Daily”: Short, inspiring talks on growth and resilience.

  • “Hidden Brain”: Explores why we procrastinate or fear failure.

• YouTube Channels:

  • “The School of Life”: Philosophical insights into self-doubt and growth.

  • “Charisma on Command”: Confidence-building tips.

  • “Impact Theory”: Success stories and mindset strategies.

• Online Courses:

  • Coursera: Free courses like “The Science of Well-Being” (Yale).

  • edX: Free options like “Mindfulness for Wellbeing” (Monash).

  • Udemy: Free or low-cost personal development courses.

Conclusion

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!