The Cost of Doing Nothing

Victoria Canham • 9 October 2024 • 3 min read

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” –Dale Carnegie

Sometimes, doing nothing feels like the easiest option. You don’t have to leave that job you dislike—it pays the bills. You don't have to overhaul your fitness routine; no need to endure sweaty runs or watch your diet like a hawk. And you don’t have to plan for your dreams and goals because it’s easier to just keep going through the motions. It’s tempting to stay in the comfort zone, repeating the same daily routines.

I understand why people avoid making changes—it seems less stressful and sidesteps the fear of stepping into the unknown. But what if I told you that the cost of doing nothing is far greater than you might think?

The High Cost of Staying the Same

Remaining in your comfort zone comes with a hefty emotional price. It’s often rooted in fear—fear of failing, fear of looking foolish, or fear of making the wrong choice. This fear paralyses many people, as they overestimate the impact of failure. But here's the truth: success is built on a foundation of failures, and the cost of not trying at all is astronomically higher.

When you avoid change, your brain reinforces that fear, using it as a reason to avoid taking risks in the future. “Change equals danger,” it whispers, trying to protect you from potential pain. But the reality is, change is inevitable. The question is, will you steer it, or let it control you?

When Inaction Costs More Than Action

We often take action only when staying in the same situation becomes unbearable. When the discomfort of the status quo finally outweighs the fear of change, that’s when people are pushed to leap into action. So ask yourself: what is the cost of not taking action in your life, career, or relationships?

The cost of inaction isn’t just time slipping away—it’s also lost opportunities, missed chances for happiness, and a future filled with regret. No one wants to look back and realise they spent their best years working 60 or 80 hours a week in a job they didn’t even like. But it’s not just about time—it’s about your mental health. The longer you stay in an unsatisfying situation, the harder it becomes to find joy anywhere. This slow decline can creep in until, one day, you’re not just dissatisfied—you’re stuck.

Why We Resist Change

Inaction does serve a purpose. It protects you from the discomfort of facing your inner fears, the possibility of failure, and the judgement of others. But at what cost? Every day you delay action, you pay a price in lost happiness, fulfilment, and peace of mind.

Making Change: Yes, It's Hard—But Worth It

I won't sugarcoat it—change is hard. It's uncomfortable, disruptive, and often painful. Trust me, I know. I regularly turn my life upside down when things get too routine, and the process of change always comes with discomfort. But here's the thing: every single time, it's worth it.

Change opens doors to new opportunities, growth, and most importantly—a life that excites you. It’s the difference between merely existing and truly living.

So, What's the Cost of Not Following Your Dreams?

Take a moment and seriously ask yourself: what's the cost of not pursuing the life you want? If you're already unhappy, how much worse will it feel in five years? Can you imagine staying in the same situation for another half-decade or longer?

If the thought unsettles you, it's time to make a change. And if you'd like help navigating that change, I'm here. Book a complimentary discovery session, and let's get started on creating the life you've been craving. Alternatively, check out my Pocket Performance Partner package.

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Victoria Canham - Your Performance Partner

Victoria is an ICF-accredited certified professional coach, who offers personalised performance coaching. With a background in change management and countless hours of professional coaching training and experience, I made the big switch to full-time coaching in 2020. I know what it is like to suddenly have the rug pulled out from under you while you're busy making other plans, as a result, I now help people like you to bounce back from adversity and major setbacks to emerge stronger and better than ever before. Our clients have transformed from feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges to confident, goal-driven individuals who navigate life's obstacles with ease. They've achieved their personal and professional objectives and embodied peak performance in all aspects of life. You too can experience this transformation. This is your moment. Your chance to take control, to choose growth over stagnation, achievement over inaction. This is your opportunity to prove to yourself that you're not defined by your challenges—you're defined by how you rise above them. Are you ready to transform your life and achieve peak performance?