Entrepreneurship is filled with challenges, but one of the sneakiest pitfalls I’ve encountered is what I call "step out." Unlike burnout or crowd out, which are driven by overactivity, step out stems from inaction. It’s the result of avoiding tasks, decisions, or even social interactions because they feel overwhelming or risky. I’ve been there, stuck in the cycle of avoidance and procrastination, and it’s a tough one to break. Here’s how I’ve learned to recognize it, what it feels like, and how to overcome it.
What Is Step Out?
Step out happens when fear, doubt, or overwhelm cause you to shrink back instead of moving forward. It often disguises itself as perfectionism or "busywork," so you may not even realize you’re stuck in it. For me, step out has looked like endlessly tweaking a project instead of launching it, avoiding important conversations, or procrastinating on decisions that felt too big to handle.
At the end of the day, step out is about avoidance. It’s a way of protecting ourselves from perceived failure, but in doing so, it creates roadblocks to growth and progress. The longer you stay in step out, the harder it is to regain momentum.
How to Recognize Step Out
Step out can be tricky to identify because it often feels like you’re being productive—even when you’re not. Here are some signs I’ve noticed in myself:
Perfectionism
I’ve caught myself obsessing over tiny details to the point where I’m paralyzed. Instead of making progress, I’m stuck in a loop of "fixing" things that don’t need fixing.
Procrastination
Putting off tasks that feel too overwhelming is a classic sign. I’ve told myself I’ll "get to it tomorrow" more times than I can count—and tomorrow never comes.
Avoiding Social Interactions
Whether it’s skipping networking events or dodging difficult conversations, avoiding people is a common symptom of step out.
Negative Self-Talk
When I’m in step out mode, my inner critic is loud. I’ll tell myself I’m not ready, not good enough, or that something isn’t worth pursuing.
Busywork
Filling my time with low-priority tasks to avoid tackling the bigger, more important ones is a telltale sign.
What to Do About Step Out
Breaking free from step out requires both self-awareness and intentional action. Here’s what has helped me:
Acknowledge the Fear
The first step is admitting that fear or doubt is holding you back. For me, naming the emotion—whether it’s fear of failure, fear of judgment, or just feeling overwhelmed—helps take away its power.
Take Small Steps
Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, I break tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces. Progress, no matter how small, builds momentum.
Set Deadlines
Giving myself a clear deadline creates accountability. Without one, it’s too easy to keep putting things off.
Practice Self-Compassion
Negative self-talk only makes step out worse. I’ve learned to give myself grace and celebrate the effort, not just the outcome.
Seek Support
Talking to someone I trust—whether it’s a friend, mentor, or coach—helps me gain perspective and move past the mental blocks.
Reframe Failure
One of the biggest breakthroughs for me has been changing the way I think about failure. Instead of seeing it as an endpoint, I’ve started to view it as a learning opportunity.
Just Start
Sometimes, the hardest part is taking that first step. I’ve learned that starting—even if it’s messy or imperfect—is better than staying stuck.
Building Resilience Against Step Out
Step out isn’t something you conquer once and for all. It’s a pattern that can resurface, especially during times of stress or uncertainty. What’s important is building resilience so that when it does show up, you can address it more quickly.
For me, resilience comes from staying connected to my "why." Why did I start this business? Why does this work matter to me? Reconnecting with my purpose gives me the motivation to push through the discomfort of step out.
Step out can feel like a roadblock, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. By recognizing the signs, taking intentional action, and leaning into your support system, you can move past it and get back on track. If I can do it, so can you.
Andy Kottage
Andy Kottage, founder of GutBlossom, sits at the intersection of productivity and health. With a background in process engineering and certifications in holistic health, Andy helps business leaders harmonize their life and business. He provides practical tools and systems for digging up root causes, streamlining processes, and simplifying habits to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.
