I recently launched a challenge called the World Changers Challenge on Facebook. The goal is to help people create a plan from their big idea. What’s interesting is the mental blocks that so many people have around creating something new. Most of the participants are highly successful business owners that have some sort of interesting world changing idea. It could be a podcast, keynote, book, or online course.

Even highly successful people ask themselves, “Am I good enough?”

“Why would anyone listen to me?”

“Do I know enough to make a difference?”

These mental blocks are a natural part of leveling up one’s life. They usually fall into three categories: Product not Impact, Systems, and Imposter Syndrome.

Product not Impact

Imagine that your big idea is to help kids in foster care transition into adulthood. Often people get blinders around the method. They think, “I should write a manual to help them transition.” The focus of the big idea should start with the impact. Said another way, what’s the revolution you are starting? The methods will change, but the revolution and impact won’t. So focus on what you want to achieve through your work, then focus on the products, methods, and ways you’ll do it.

Systems

The next barrier to success in launching an idea is often a lack of knowledge of systems. It could be: I don’t know how to launch a website, start a non-profit board, rank in Google, create a podcast, or find keynote locations.

There was a time when you couldn’t cook something that you can now cook. With the internet, you can learn almost anything. As well, there are plenty of quality consultants that can teach you these skills. What often happens is that someone is inspired to do something. Then they look at all they don’t know and they get discouraged. Instead, think about a small step that you can take and learn each week.

Imposter Syndrome

When I launched my podcast in 2013, the Practice of the Practice Podcast, I thought, “Why would anyone listen to me?” I found it helpful to talk as a co-learner. Instead of positioning myself as the expert, I would read business books and talk about how I was implementing the topics.

Feeling like an imposter is a good thing. It makes you learn faster so that you feel like you won’t be exposed as a poser. Also, you may over-research to bring your skills up-to-speed quicker. Whenever someone does something new, especially if they want to be a world changer, they often have doubts. It’s part of the process.

As you dream about your world changing ideas, remember to keep the impact in mind instead of the methods. Learn or outsource the details and systems. Remember, whenever people start something new, they usually feel like an imposter.

Joseph R. Sanok is the owner and counselor at Mental Wellness Counseling in downtown Traverse City. Join his free seven day World Changers Challenge.