Roadblocks & Solutions Library
Time pressure. Self-doubt. Fear of failing. Procrastination. Feeling overwhelmed or underqualified. These aren’t signs that something is wrong; they are signs that you’re growing. Step 5 of the KICKSTART™ Framework teaches that setbacks are universal, but persistence turns them into momentum. As Matt puts it, “You aren’t the first to experience this, and you won’t be the last, but you can be the one who keeps going.”
This Roadblocks & Solutions Library exists to help you do exactly that.
Each section below contains a common roadblock, why it shows up, and three practical actions to move past it so that you can stay consistent, build habits that last, and keep moving toward independence.
Think of this page as a toolbox. Every roadblock becomes a short, actionable guide you can use whenever you feel stuck.
You’ll find solutions for:
How to overcome roadblocks in your habits, finances, and career
How to overcome self-doubt
Time management obstacles and practical fixes
Fear of failure solutions
How to overcome procrastination
How to overcome imposter syndrome
And more barriers that appear as you implement your plan
Choose the one that reflects where you’re stuck right now and start with one small action, not all three. Small, consistent steps create compounding momentum.
Roadblock 1 — “I’m too busy to focus on my finances or goals.”
Time pressure is the most common roadblock to success. Without structure, your calendar fills itself.
Three actions to overcome it:
Time-block 10–20 minutes for one key task each day (financial review, habit practice, or learning).
This removes decision fatigue.
Eliminate low-impact commitments for one week. Identify the meetings, tasks,
or routines that take time without creating progress.
Automate wherever possible — savings, bill payments, transfers, reminders.
Automation is the busy professional’s best time management tool.
Roadblock 2 — “I feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.”
Overwhelm happens when your brain sees everything at once.
Three actions to overcome it:
Define “one next step” for the next 24 hours. Step 5 emphasizes that momentum comes from the smallest possible action.
Break big goals into micro-habits. Five minutes of progress a day beats an hour once a week.
Use a simple tracker for streaks — seeing progress visually reduces overwhelm and builds confidence.
Roadblock 3 — “I don’t have enough money to begin.”
Lack of capital is often a perception problem, not a math problem.
Three actions to overcome it:
Start with time-based investments: reading, learning, skill development, no cost, huge upside
Use small amounts consistently. Even $10–$25 weekly builds the habit of investing in your future.
Audit your spending for leaks. Most people can free up capital by identifying recurring charges or unconscious spending patterns.
Roadblock 4 — “I’m afraid of failing.”
Fear of failure stops more progress than actual failure ever does.
Three actions to overcome it:
Reframe failure as data. Each misstep provides information — not identity.
Start with reversible experiments. Commit to a trial period rather than a permanent decision.
Ask the better question: “What if it works?” This mindset shift reduces fear and increases courage.
Roadblock 5 — “I keep procrastinating.”
Procrastination is often a sign of unclear goals or fear disguised as delay.
Three actions to overcome it:
Make the task smaller. You’re not committing to a full workout; you’re committing to putting on your shoes.
Use the 10-minute rule: work for 10 minutes and stop if you want. You rarely will.
Reduce friction: prepare your workspace, tools, or environment in advance to make starting easier.
Roadblock 6 — “I’m struggling with imposter syndrome.”
Feeling “not good enough” is a sign that you’re stepping into something bigger.
Three actions to overcome it:
Collect evidence of progress. Keep a list of small wins; your brain can’t argue with proof.
Borrow belief from others. Surround yourself with people who expect you to grow, not stay the same.
Act before you feel ready. Confidence comes from action, not from waiting to feel qualified.
Roadblock 7 — “What will other people think?”
Worrying about opinions is one of the biggest roadblocks to success.
Three actions to overcome it:
Reconnect with your mission. When your purpose is clear, opinions fade.
Limit the noise. Reduce exposure to people who drain energy or create doubt.
Remember the truth: most people are too busy thinking about themselves to judge you.
Roadblock 8 — “I can’t stay consistent.”
This block is why most habits fail.
Three actions to overcome it:
Make the habit so small you can’t avoid it. Two minutes of reading, one line of journaling, one financial check.
Use identity-based habits: “I am the type of person who…”
Forgive fast and restart instantly. The cost of restarting is low; the cost of quitting is high.
Roadblock 9 — “I’m not seeing results fast enough.”
Growth rarely follows a straight line; it compounds.
Three actions to overcome it:
Track weekly wins, not just big milestones.
Extend your time horizon to 3–6 months.
Shift to process goals, not outcome goals.
Roadblock 10 — “My environment works against me.”
Environment is stronger than willpower.
Three actions to overcome it:
Remove friction: put tools in sight, remove distractions, simplify surroundings.
Set visual cues (notes, reminders, trackers).
Create accountability, even lightweight — a weekly check-in partner makes falling off harder.
Step 5 teaches the importance of finding a “Sherpa”, someone who has walked the path and can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes. If you’ve been stuck on a roadblock for weeks, ask someone for guidance: a mentor, a friend, or a peer from the Anti-preneur Community. As Dr. Markel notes, guides help “compress time,” turning years of trial and error into faster, more confident progress.
Anti-preneurs succeed not because they avoid obstacles, but because they respond differently:
They choose progress over perfection
They use momentum over motivation
They build habits that become identity, not tasks
They view setbacks as adjustments, not failures
You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to keep moving.
Anti-preneurs succeed not because they avoid obstacles, but because they respond differently:
They choose progress over perfection
They use momentum over motivation
They build habits that become identity, not tasks
They view setbacks as adjustments, not failures
You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to keep moving.
Every Anti-preneur faces challenges, questions, and moments of uncertainty. The key isn’t avoiding roadblocks, it’s knowing where to turn when you hit one.
If you’re feeling stuck, need clarity, or want help applying the KICKSTART Framework, you’re not alone.
Surround yourself with like-minded professionals who are growing, learning, and overcoming the same obstacles you’re facing. Share your wins, discuss your challenges, and get weekly insights from Dr. Matt to stay aligned and motivated.
You don’t have to build a better life alone, the Anti-preneur movement is here to support your next step.