Take Action Today: Overcoming Setbacks and Embracing Growth
Strayed from your goals? It's okay. Learn how to refocus, take meaningful action, and turn setbacks into stepping stones for personal and professional growth.
This article was originally published in 2013, and has been republished in 2025.
Hi there! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Life has a way of pulling us in all directions, and sometimes, we lose sight of the goals we set for ourselves. That’s exactly what happened to me recently. This past summer was a rollercoaster—filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. Somewhere along the way, I strayed from the path I had so carefully mapped out.
But here’s the thing:
That’s okay.
What defines us isn’t the missteps or the moments of inaction—it’s what we choose to do next. And today, I’m choosing to act.
The Easy Allure of Inaction
Let’s be real: stopping is easy. The couch is comfortable, Netflix is endlessly entertaining, and procrastination feels deceptively harmless. Before you know it, days turn into weeks, and those ambitious goals you once had seem like distant memories. I’ve been there—recently, in fact. But the beauty of life is that it’s never too late to hit the reset button.
The first step? Acknowledge where you’ve fallen short without beating yourself up. Self-compassion is key here because guilt only keeps you stuck. Instead, focus on identifying what needs to change and commit to taking action—no matter how small that first step might be.
Facing Fear Head-On
This past Saturday marked a milestone for me: I gave my first-ever presentation at BarCamp Philly 2013 on a topic that’s close to my heart—fear. Now, let me tell you, I was nervous. Sweaty palms, racing thoughts—the whole nine yards. But instead of letting fear paralyze me, I leaned into it.
I almost talked myself out of doing the presentation altogether. “You’re not ready,” my inner critic whispered, which was true, because I literally didn’t have a presentation, I simply decided to talk about a topic I was passionate about. But I silenced that voice by committing to a time slot and putting myself out there. And you know what? It was worth it.
At first, only two people showed up to my session—talk about nerve-wracking! But within minutes, the room filled with about 30 attendees who were eager to engage in a conversation about fear. By the time the talk was done, the room was packed with >75 people, with many standing.
What started as a talk quickly turned into an open discussion where people shared their own fears and vulnerabilities. It was powerful—a reminder that fear isn’t something to avoid but something to confront and explore.
The Power of Taking Imperfect Action
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that there’s no “right” way to take action. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to happen. Whether you’re taking baby steps or giant leaps, forward motion is what counts.
That said, taking action isn’t always easy. Sometimes we overcommit and burn out; other times we get distracted and fall back into old habits without even realizing it. The key is to stay mindful and course-correct when necessary.
For example, I recently set a personal goal: bike 290 miles before my 29th birthday (which is next week!). As of now, I’m at 260.5 miles—so close yet so far! But instead of stressing over whether I’ll hit the target in time, I’m focusing on enjoying the process and celebrating how far I’ve come.
I also made a small but impactful change at home: I built a standing desk for myself. Earlier this year, I noticed that standing throughout the day gave me more energy and focus—and within just two days of using my new setup, I’m already feeling those benefits again.
Revisiting Goals with Fresh Eyes
Another step I’ve taken is revisiting the goals I set at the beginning of the year. Some are on track; others need more attention—but that’s okay too. Goals aren’t static; they evolve as we do. The important thing is to stay flexible and keep moving forward.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all of this, it’s that life rarely goes according to plan—and that’s not a bad thing. Jobs come and go; relationships ebb and flow; circumstances change. At the end of the day, what matters most is whether you’re living in alignment with your values and making choices you can stand by.
Final Thoughts: Just Start
So if you’ve been putting something off—whether it’s a personal project, a professional goal, or even just getting off the couch—here’s my advice: Shut up and do it (yes, even if it feels messy or imperfect). Start where you are with what you have because waiting for the “perfect” moment will only hold you back.
Things don’t get easier; you get better at handling them.
Take that first step today—you might just surprise yourself with how far you can go.
Actionable Takeaways:
Identify one goal you've been procrastinating on.
Take one small action toward it today—no matter how imperfect.
Reflect on your progress weekly and adjust as needed.
Remember: Progress over perfection always wins!
“Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action. ”