When something holds me back

A tool to move forward when doubt, fear, fatigue or a concrete difficulty makes an action more difficult.

Sometimes you know what you want to do and have even thought through the steps, but you still can't bring yourself to take the planned action.

What holds us back can have several sources: an emotion, a past experience, the fear of a reaction, fatigue, a lack of information, a concrete difficulty or simply the importance we give to what is going to happen.

This tool doesn't aim to make what's holding you back disappear. Rather, it invites you to explore what's happening and find a way forward that works for you.

Your answers will remain on your device. They never leave your browser.

🌿 A guideline before we begin

You don't need to wait until everything is perfectly clear before considering the next step. It is sometimes possible to act even when doubt, apprehension, or discomfort is still present. And sometimes, slowing down, asking for support, modifying the planned action, or postponing it is also a way to move forward.

Identify the gesture

Start with what you actually want to do

What specific action do you have in mind, but keep putting off, avoiding, or finding it difficult to start? Try to describe it simply, without yet trying to explain why.

Example"I would like to request an appointment, but I can't send the email."

The action I wish to take:

Explore what's holding me back

Putting words to what makes the gesture difficult

When you think about doing this action, what happens? There may be an emotion, a thought, a worry, fatigue, a past experience, or even a concrete difficulty.

These suggestions are simply ideas. You can choose one, several, none, or add your own answer.

What could happen:

What's holding me back right now:

Making the gesture more accessible

Look for what could concretely facilitate the next step

You don't necessarily need to eliminate what's holding you back. Instead, ask yourself: What could make this action a little easier, clearer, or safer?

🤝 Support

Someone may be present, helping you prepare the movement or simply knowing that you are going to try.

📝 A preparation

Write down some ideas, prepare a question, make a draft or check some information.

⏱️ A limited framework

Allow a short amount of time to try it out, rather than asking you to fix everything immediately.

🧩 An adaptation

Change the way you do it: start differently, choose another time or request another form of contact.

🛑 Review or postpone

Recognize that another time, another way of doing things, or new information might be needed before going any further.

Define my next step

Moving from a general intention to a realistic attempt

You can now define what you want to try, when, and how. It's not about promising yourself that everything will be fine, but about making your next step specific enough that you can recognize it when it has taken place.

When will I try?

How am I going to try?

If things don't go as planned, I can…

A small step is not a promise of success

Trying something doesn't guarantee the desired result. But an attempt can give you new information: about the situation, what helps you, what holds you back, or what you want to do next.

You don't have to solve everything today. You can look for the next step that makes sense for you — including slowing down, changing your approach, or waiting before deciding.

Save my answers on this device
By default, your answers are not saved: they disappear if you reload the page. By checking this box, they will be stored locally in your browser and you can retrieve them on your next visit.

⚠️ On a shared device, avoid enabling this option or clear your replies before leaving.