Podcast: Play in new window
Recently, I took a break from my podcast. That break ended up lasting much longer than I intended, and I found myself struggling to get back into the rhythm – until last night. I finally decided to just turn on the camera and start. I didn’t wait for perfect graphics. I didn’t wait for editing. I just did what I had been putting off for far too long.
I’m sure I’m not the only one that’s found myself stuck in this cycle. At least, I hope not… Often, we want to move forward but feel weighed down by how long we’ve been still. Whether it’s getting back into a Bible reading plan, returning to the gym after an injury, or picking up a creative project that’s been sitting unfinished, starting again can be so much harder than we expect. Not because we don’t want to but because we’ve been at rest for so long that movement feels foreign.
But here’s what I’m reminding myself of – stopping isn’t failure. Rest isn’t failure. Breaks are necessary. God built rhythms of rest into creation. However, even nature knows that when spring comes, it’s time to bloom again.
And yet, the longer we sit still, the harder it feels to move.
If you had your fair share of science classes growing up (or more specifically, physics), you probably have heard of Newston’s First Law of Motion, which tells us that objects at rest tend to stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. And I felt that force last night – the nudge to stop overthinking, stop waiting, stop making excuses, and just start.
Maybe this email is your nudge to start again. If so, here are three practical ways to get started:
- Do it messy – Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Start with what you have right where you are.
- Focus on the first step – Instead of thinking about the whole journey, just take the next small step.
- Make it fun – Find a way to enjoy the process, whether it’s rewarding yourself, doing it with a friend, or switching up your approach.
So often, we heap guilt, shame, or embarrassment onto ourselves when we’ve been dormant for too long. We ask, “If only I had started earlier, how much further along would I be?” or “What if I had never stopped?” But those questions do nothing but weigh us down. Other times, we let perfectionism keep us stuck, convincing ourselves that we need the perfect plan, the perfect setup, and the perfect timing before we move forward.
If this resonates with you at all and you’d like to dive deeper into my thoughts on starting again, I’d love for you to watch or listen to the new podcast episode – my “restart” episode. Sometimes, all we need is a little encouragement and a reminder that we’re not alone in the struggle of getting back on track.
Highlights from Today’s Episode
- Embrace imperfect starts
- Release guilt and pressure
- Take small, consistent steps
Related Resources
- Are you struggling to start due to needing to make a difficult decision? Take a listen to this podcast episode.
- You have the freedom to pivot, even if it means starting over. Check out this conversation with Melody Alisa.
- You have everything you need to start. You just need to build on what you already know.
- Listen to Bianca Olthoff share how obedience to God has given her the power of grit.
Click to Post
- “The hardest part of any journey is always the first step.” Chrystal Evans Hurst
- “Consistency beats intensity every day.” Chrystal Evans Hurst
- “Perfectionism will keep you from moving the needle in your life.” Chrystal Evans Hurst
Other Stuff to Check Out
- Need to encourage your soul? Enjoy listening to this playlist my team put together!
- Come see me in Dallas October 17-18, 2025!
- Join me and the Inner Circle Community as we dive into making our mark this year! Learn about joining my Inner Circle!
- I can’t wait to get my new book into your hands – 100 Days to Discovering the Gift of You! You can order it HERE.
Let’s Talk!
- What’s one area of your life where you need to start again?
- What has been holding you back from taking the first step?
- What’s one thing you can do today to make starting again feel lighter and more doable?
Connect with me…
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How to Listen to The Podcast
If you’re new to podcasts, think of them like little radio shows that you can listen to at your convenience. They are perfect to listen to and learn from as you workout, fold laundry, wash dishes or conquer the world.
1. Listen right here on the blog. Click the little play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play! – Be sure and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Also, if you would be so kind as to leave a rating on iTunes and/or write a 2-3 sentence review there or on Stitcher? Your commentary or rating helps make the podcast more “findable” by others who might not know it exists!
3. Share today’s show – Email the link to a friend or share on social media. Just click on the sharing buttons at the bottom of this post!
You have been so great to join me on the journey here on the blog, I hope you jump right in and do the same on the podcast!
1. I need to start again on creating my own business.
2. The main obstacle holding me back is that I can’t seem to narrow down exactly what I want to do.
3. I am still not ready to start again, but I can keep praying and waiting on a revelation about what God wants me to do.