What’s Holding You Back?
I’ve been recording the audiobook version of It’s Not Bloody Rocket Science—and it’s been quite a stretch! Not just technically, in how to deliver a coherent narration for Audible (and remembering your Amazon password for upload!) but personally, too. Because doing something new teaches you more about yourself than the activity itself—if you take a moment to reflect.
What’s Been Holding Me Back?
The longer version of this story is: I didn’t want to hear myself talk, uninterrupted, for two whole days. I was a voracious reader as a child. I visited the local library with my whole families’ cards and a rucksack to meet my book a day habit!
But reading aloud never felt natural when my children were little, and honestly, I’ve always been someone who prefers reading rather than reading out loud. And then, there’s the excuse we all use -“I’m too busy.” In truth, finding two days to record something that wasn’t immediately revenue-generating, that I didn’t enjoy, and, frankly, wouldn’t pay much- that felt hard to justify.
So why did I finally go for it?
The Nudge from Others
Like many of us, I’m driven by purpose and service. When clients kept asking if there was an audio version, I realised that my book wasn’t fully accessible. Not everyone loves reading—and not everyone finds ways to reflect when their brain is on overload. But they can listen while driving, folding laundry, or catching their breath between meetings. And it sounds obvious now, but I just hadn’t given enough attention to my dyslexic and ADHD clients. Some of them find reading physical exhausting or practically difficult – whilst listening to an audio book is easier.
So, yes, when I was a bit embarrassed that I wasn’t putting the needs of others over my discomfort and I put the need of others first, it got me over the hump!
Post Recording Realisation: I Was Afraid
Of course I didn’t admit it then—I mean, who wants to say, “I know I should’ve done it ages ago, but I delayed because of fear”? But I was. I’d never done it before. I didn’t know anyone who had, and that sweet spot between competence and self-doubt is a curious place.
And now? I’ve done it. I’m proud of myself. And those of you who know me well, will know that is the hardest line I’ve written today!
So maybe… steal what I learned for yourself
What are you delaying that would be actually be positive?
What ‘lies’ is your brain telling you because it’s new or unfamiliar?
Are you really ‘too busy’ for this thing? Or is that a lie too?
In my case – the thing I was ‘too busy’ to do is designed to save others time in the long run…Maybe it’s worth saying yes sooner—if someone gave you that tiny nudge.
The Science of Starting Anyway
Here’s where the neuroscience backs this up:
- Growth requires discomfort – The brain thrives when it safely stretches beyond its comfort zone. That push creates micro-tension, which leads to adaptation and learning.
- Active self-reflection builds insight – Doing something new, then pausing to reflect on how and why, fires up the prefrontal cortex. That helps solidify new neural pathways and builds confidence to do it again.
So the discomfort when you start? The “I’ll put it off until tomorrow feeling?” That could just mean your brain is trying to conserve energy. It’s more energy efficient not to do new things. Even when spending energy on those new things would actually be worthwhile (and a lot easier the second time around!)
Want Some Further Reading?
- A report from the National Literacy Trust (via ERIC) shows that audiobooks can support reading comprehension, decoded literacy, and even emotional wellbeing—especially useful for reluctant readers in informal and home settings.
- A Forbes article highlights how audiobooks let busy professionals learn while on the move. They’re learning in flow—not squeezing in reading time.
Parting Shot
“I was too busy” is a common story we tell ourselves. But often, it’s not just busyness. It’s about little resistances – those excuses we think of as real… until we test them.
So if you’ve got an idea bubbling, an opportunity that feels meaningful, and a whisper of “later” in your gut, consider nudging it forward. Let growth be your coach. Let a little discomfort be your signal – not to stop – but to lean in and see what you find on the other side
Try This: Mini INBRS Journal Activity
Grab a pen and take 2 minutes for a few “what’s stopping me?” reflections:
1. What have I been putting off because I “don’t have time”?
2. Is that really true — or is it about fear of doing something new?
3. Who else would benefit if I stopped stalling?
4. What’s ONE first step I could take?
Remember, you don’t have to do it all today. Just start. Momentum builds motivation and confidence. And confidence builds more momentum.
Or settle in. Because waiting to feel ready will be a long wait…
We listen. We understand. We are confident that we can create a bespoke solution
that really adds to your bottom line.
