The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. –Amelia Earhart
Writing the first sentence.
Making the first phone call.
Taking the first step.
For many, this is, by far, the most difficult part in making a life change. Whether it is changing to a healthier lifestyle, switching career paths, or starting a business, making the decision to act, and taking the first actionable step, is a major line of demarcation between those that do and those that just wish. Many people, arguably most people, are not truly happy in their current station in life. These people have countless reasons why they can’t make a change. For many of these people, however, these reasons are really just excuses infused with the false weight of validity based on fear, laziness, or a combination of the two.
Anyone can say they want to do something different, anyone can wish upon a star that some magical wand-brandishing sprite will descend from the sky and make all of their dreams come true. It is those individuals that do not wait for their fairy godmother to 
change things, but make the firm internal decision to take a step towards their desired change, that are in the best position to actually attain it. Don’t get me wrong, there are many steps to be taken after the first to reach success. There are many obstacles to overcome along the way. But once you truly focus your intent and take the first step, no matter how small, toward attaining it, you have already overcome the obstacle that blocks 90% of people from achieving their own personal success.
Amelia Earhart, born into a time when women were not expected to have their own independent thoughts, let alone navigate an aircraft across the Atlantic, made the decision to act. From there, she took the first step and began working odd jobs until she was able to afford flying lessons. Against all odds, she achieved her goals and made history several times over. You can make the same decision; you can take the first step. The rest is simply sticking to it.
