Episode 125 | Planning Feels Productive, But Progress Requires a Step

In this episode of Scaling Therapy Practice, James Marland shares a deeply relatable truth for Therapists who create courses: we love to plan, but we often resist launching. From his own repeated webinar loop to renovation projects and mindset breakthroughs in mastermind groups, James unpacks why planning feels productive but can become a form of avoidance. If you’re a therapist or coach stuck in content creation mode but hesitant to ship your work, this episode will help you shift from perfection to progress.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Planning feels safe, but safety can become a trap. It provides a dopamine hit, but delays transformation.


2. Clarity doesn’t come before action—it comes because of it. You figure it out by doing, not thinking.


3. You can rewrite your mindset, but it’s faster in a community. Supportive people can believe in your future before you do.

Scaling Therapy Practice Highlights

[00:00:03] Why planning is a placebo and action is the real thing.  Learn how planning gives a false sense of productivity for therapists creating online courses.

[00:01:27] The familiar trap: creating a brilliant course idea… and never launching it.  James shares personal examples of planning outlines, building slides, and never following through.

[00:04:20] Truth 1: Planning is a vaccine—it protects you from risk.  Understand how planning soothes your brain’s discomfort around vulnerability and exposure.

[00:06:39] Quote from The Mountain Is You: “You cannot be committed to your dream and your comfort zone at the same time.”

[00:07:07] Truth 2: Planning is a placebo—action is the real medicine.  Real-world examples including home renovation and driving illustrate why action leads to clarity.

[00:10:43] What successful people have in common: a bias toward action.  Insights from Coach Builder by Donald Miller on why achievers move forward despite fear.

[00:11:25] Quote from The Alchemist: “There is only one way to learn… It’s through action. Everything you need to know, you have learned through your journey.”

[00:11:25] Truth 3: You can rewrite your brain—but it works better with others: mastermind reflections and belief-flipping practices for overcoming imposter syndrome.

[00:16:04] Final encouragement: Goals aren’t magical, they’re maps.  Introduction to Milestone 6 from the STEP Program and why measurable goals matter.

[00:17:56] Gentle challenge: Write your next step, then take it. James walks you through a micro-action approach to break the planning loop.

[00:18:51] CTA: Learn more about the STEP Program and join the next cohort.  Get support, take action, and put your mission in motion.

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

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.

Clarify Your Goals

James Marland, Income Flow Coach: Schedule a short clarity call with James to define your next step