Planning Feels Productive, But Progress Requires a Step
Aug 04, 2025
By James Marland, Course Creation Coach
Why We Love Planning (But Stay Stuck There)
Here is a little story that might sound familiar.
I spent weeks outlining a new webinar. I had mapped out the content, crafted beautiful slides, and even started scripting the emails. Then I went on vacation. When I came back, I looked at my to-do list, saw "webinar," and what did I do? I started planning again.
It felt responsible. It felt familiar. It even felt fun.
But halfway through, a thought struck me: "Haven't I done this already?"
Yes. Yes, I had. What I hadn’t done was hit "publish." I hadn’t invited anyone. I hadn’t scheduled the event. I had planned myself into a safe, satisfying, motionless loop.
Sound familiar?
This blog post is for anyone who’s great at organizing ideas but hesitant to launch. Especially therapists and coaches who are trying to expand their business through online courses. Let's talk about why planning feels like progress,and how to move past it.
The Hidden Danger of Planning
Planning isn’t bad. But it can be a trap. And here’s why:
"Planning gives you the illusion of control. Action gives you transformation."
Truth #1: Planning Is a Vaccine, It Inoculates You from Launching Your Course
It makes you feel like you're doing something important. You are! But often, the deeper reason we stay stuck in planning is because launching something real feels risky. It triggers our brain's wiring to avoid discomfort and protect our status quo.
Instead of pushing through, we re-plan, re-tool, and revise. It’s comforting. It’s safe. But it rarely leads to a launch.
Quote from The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest: "You cannot be committed to your dream and your comfort zone at the same time."
Truth #2: Planning Is a Placebo, Action Is the Real Thing
Planning can mimic productivity. But only doing the thing brings the growth you're after.
Take my basement remodel, for example. We had a rough plan. But we figured most of it out mid-demo. When you act, clarity comes. Whether you’re learning to drive, building a course, or hanging drywall, you figure it out one decision at a time.
Quote from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: "There is only one way to learn... It's through action. Everything you need to know, you have learned through your journey."
Truth #3: Your Brain Can Be Rewritten, But Not Alone
I’m a big believer in mindset work. For two years, I kept a list of limiting beliefs and their "enabling" truths. That helped me move forward.
But the fundamental shift happened at a mastermind in Canada. Sitting around the breakfast table, people who barely knew me spoke truth into my life. They believed in me more than I believed in myself.
That rewrote my brain faster than any journaling practice ever could.
"What if you could be in a group that already holds the beliefs about you you're still trying to believe for yourself?"
You can. And it’s powerful.
Goals Aren’t Magical. They’re Maps.
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels, let me give you a framework that actually moves the needle. It comes from Milestone 6 of my STEP Program: Set Your Success Metrics.
Here's how to turn goals into action:
- Define your number. How much do you need to live, give, and grow? Set a real revenue goal.
- Reverse-engineer your offers. How many clients, course enrollments, or product sales will get you there?
- Measure weekly. Create a rhythm of review. Adjust based on data, not feelings.
- Build with others. Isolation makes it easier to doubt yourself. Accountability fuels momentum.
- Celebrate the win. Even a messy launch is a win. You did something. That deserves celebration.
Your Next Step (Because Yes, You Have to Take One)
So here it is, friend. Write down your goal.
Whether it’s launching your first course, cutting back client hours, or just sending one email.
Then write down one step that would move it forward. Then do that step. When it’s done, write the next one. You’ve already planned enough.
Action is what gets you out of the drawer.
"Your calling isn’t waiting for your perfection. It’s waiting for your next step."
Resources & Links for Therapists from Episode 125
- STEP Program – Sustainable Therapist Empowerment Program: Learn how to set real goals, take focused action, and grow with a supportive cohort.
- Confident Course Creator – Pay-what-you-can foundational course
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Books Mentioned
- The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest: A powerful guide to self-sabotage, transformation, and breaking through comfort zones.
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: A modern classic about purpose, action, and learning through the journey.
- Coach Builder by Donald Miller: Insights on leadership, action, and what truly sets successful creators apart.
- Listen to Episode 125: "Planning Feels Productive, But Progress Requires a Step"
- YouTube Video Link: "Planning Feels Productive, But Progress Requires a Step"
Clarify Your Goals
James Marland, Income Flow Coach: Schedule a short clarity call with James to define your next step
15 Ways To Create Income Flow from What You Already Know
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