"A rocket won’t fly unless somebody lights the fuse!" —Homer Hickam
Ever feel frozen because you have too many good ideas?
Same.
My notebooks, journals, and digital docs are overflowing with future programs, wellness experiments, and creative projects. 
And while creativity looks like a blessing on the outside… it can quietly become a trap when you don’t have a simple practice for filtering ideas and choosing one.
If you’ve been stuck in “inspired but overwhelmed” mode, keep reading.
Why too many ideas can make you stuck
When you have many exciting options, your brain treats the decision like a high-stakes test: Pick the perfect one or you’ll waste time. That pressure triggers overthinking, hesitation, and “I’ll start later.”
The fix isn’t forcing yourself to choose harder—it’s using a framework that lowers the pressure and turns your next step into a small, doable experiment.
Too often we focus on the final result and forget all the micro-steps that need to take place first.
One of my favorite tools to shift my thinking is a metaphor.
Bear with my oversimplification of the rocket-launching process and how it aligns with pursuing one of your brilliant ideas.
The “Rocket Launch” Framework—Turning One Idea Into Momentum
We forget that rockets don’t just “launch.” They go through stages—each with a different job, a different kind of fuel, and a different kind of support.
Here’s the metaphor (and the mindset shift):
Stage 1: Fuel the Launch (Energy + Focus)
Before a rocket lifts off, engineers obsess over fuel and engines—because without the right fuel, nothing moves.
Translation for your life:
Before you pick the “perfect” idea, ask: Do I have the energy and focus to carry this right now?
Fuel Check (ask yourself):
How am I fueling my body right now (sleep, movement, food, hydration)?
How am I fueling my mind (inputs, boundaries, mental clutter, screen time)?
How am I fueling my spirit (meaning, connection, quiet, play, creativity)?
If your fuel is low, the most “brilliant” idea will feel heavy.
If you want a simple way to clear the noise and get your energy back, start here → Decluttering Your Life
Stage 2: Drop Weight (What You Release to Rise)
Rockets don’t climb higher by carrying everything. They drop what’s empty and unnecessary—fuel tanks, engines, weight—so they can accelerate.
Translation for your life:
Your next chapter may require letting go of habits, beliefs, and roles that once helped you… but now slow you down.
Drop-Weight Check (ask yourself):
What habit is draining my energy the most right now?
What thought pattern keeps me stuck in “not yet” (perfectionism, people-pleasing, fear of judgment)?
What am I carrying that’s no longer mine to carry?
Sometimes the biggest “weight” is a belief that sounds reasonable but keeps you small:
I have to figure it all out before I start.
If I can’t do it perfectly, it doesn’t count.
Other people get to be brave. I’m not one of them.
If you’re ready to release what’s weighing you down and simplify your next step, explore → Declutter your beliefs
Stage 3: Build the Launch Team (Support + Small Experiments)
We also forget the teams behind the scenes: people testing pressure, heat, materials, and systems—running countless experiments before the rocket ever reaches the launchpad.
Translation for your life:
You don’t need a massive “launch.” You need a mini experiment with the right people around you.
Launch Team Check (ask yourself):
Who encourages my growth without demanding I be perfect?
Who challenges me to think differently (in a kind way)?
Who drains me, distracts me, or subtly pulls me back into old roles?
And here’s the kicker: rockets don’t rely on one single moment of courage. They rely on thousands of small tests.
Your mini-experiment prompt:
What is one tiny version of this idea I could test in the next 7 days?
Examples:
Write one page, not a book.
Record one 2-minute voice note, not a full program.
Offer one “beta” session to a friend, not a full launch.
Create one outline, not the whole curriculum.
The Part We Really Miss: The Belief Shift
At one time, people genuinely believed reaching the moon wasn’t possible.
Progress began when individuals examined their assumptions until a new belief became available: Maybe it can be done.
That’s the quiet work behind every “big” change—examining the thoughts you live inside of.
So let’s bring it back to you.
The Practice: Draft Your “Rocket” Launch
Grab paper and pencil. Write without editing.
Fuel: How are you fueling your body, mind, and spirit for the launch of your dream?
Drop Weight: What old habits and thought patterns are you ready to release so you can feel lighter?
Launch Team: Who are the people on your launch team—and how are they influencing what you believe is possible?
Do this for 3 days:
Return to these questions each day and notice what changes. Your answers will often get simpler, truer, and stronger.
What You’ll Notice (And Why It Matters)
As you review your answers, pay attention to the feelings that arise.
The strongest feelings often point to your greatest resistance… which usually points to your greatest growth.
Start there.
Your First Step (Simple + Specific)
If you’re frozen right now, don’t choose the “forever” path. Choose the next experiment.
Here’s a clean way to decide today:
Pick the idea that feels most alive and most doable with your current fuel.
Identify one weight to drop (one habit, one belief, one obligation).
Choose one 7-day experiment and put it on the calendar.
Then tell yourself the sentence that changes everything:
I’m not launching the whole rocket today. I’m running the next test.
Want a 5-minute guided way to clarify your next step? Start here → Day One Self-coaching Guide
FAQ
Why do I feel overwhelmed when I have good ideas?
Because each idea creates decisions, and your brain tries to avoid the risk of choosing “wrong.” Too many choices can trigger perfectionism and paralysis.
How do I pick one idea to start?
Choose the idea that matches your current energy (“fuel”), remove one thing that drains you (“drop weight”), and run a small 7-day experiment (“launch team + tests”).
What if I’m afraid I’ll fail?
Treat the next step as data, not a verdict. You’re not proving your worth—you’re learning what works.
How do I know if an idea is the right one?
You don’t know by thinking. You know by testing. Clarity is often the reward for movement.
Key Takeaways
Too many ideas doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you need a filter.
Start with Fuel, then Drop Weight, then Launch Team + Experiments.
Your next step is not a life sentence. It’s a 7-day test.:
