How to Discover the Answers You Already Have
Do you avoid doing things because you can’t find the right way to do them?
Have you ever spent an entire week searching for the perfect method instead of just taking action?
As I walk my dogs through the quiet streets of Kampot, Cambodia, my mind often wanders. That is, when I’m not fending off local Khmer dogs or teaching schoolchildren how to respect and care for animals. Or handing out free dog medicine to the village dogs—my way of paying it forward.
But today, my thoughts turned to something deeper: my constant struggle to start things because I want them to be perfect. Take this website, for example. I’ve been building and tweaking it for over three years, always chasing that elusive perfection.
We All Want to Get Things Perfect—But Why?
Is it fear of failure? Fear of embarrassment? Or simply the dread of wasting time?
Often, when we feel the need to do things the right way, we turn to others for advice. What starts as a simple idea can quickly become an obsession, consuming time and energy.
Today, I realised it’s time to stop searching for answers. Sometimes, you just need to let things be. Trust that everything will fall into place. Deep down, I already knew this—but I kept searching anyway. So, in this post, I want to help you discover why you’re always searching for answers and how to find them within yourself.
The Problem with Constantly Searching for Answers
When you’re always searching for answers, you’re limiting your own beliefs. You start to doubt your ability to make decisions, creating a vicious cycle of self-doubt.
When I started Finding Chantel back in 2000, I spent hours researching the best ways to build an email list, recommend products, and write better blog posts. I invested heavily in courses, memberships, and website setups. Some were worth it; others weren’t.
In the beginning, I just wanted the easy way out. I didn’t believe in my ideas or myself. Searching for answers became my avoidance tactic—a way to dodge responsibility. I wanted others to figure things out for me.
But here’s the irony: I love learning, problem-solving, and helping others. Yet, when it came to my website and putting myself out there, I wanted to hide.
Why Was I Stuck?
Other people’s advice can be invaluable, especially if it helps you avoid common pitfalls. But often, I found that their advice created more confusion or was driven by profit rather than empathy.
When I tried to force answers, I was met with disappointment. But where did that disappointment come from?
Discover Reason 1: Fear of Failure
Many of us search for answers because we’re afraid of failing or looking foolish. I’ve spent years perfecting this website, terrified that it wouldn’t be good enough. But what if failure isn’t the enemy? What if it’s just part of the journey?
Discover Reason 2: Overwhelm and Confusion
When we’re bombarded with advice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I’ve spent countless hours researching and taking notes, only to feel more confused than when I started. Sometimes, the more we search for answers, the further we get from them.
For example, I used Elementor to build this website. Some days, I’m thrilled with what I’ve created; other days, I want to tear my hair out. When I’m stuck, I ask for advice in the Elementor Facebook group. Sometimes the advice is great; other times, it’s not.
In the end, I learned to go straight to the source—the Elementor help desk. Their advice was spot-on, and now I wouldn’t do it any other way.
Discover Reason 3: Lack of Trust in Yourself
At the heart of our search for answers is often a lack of trust in ourselves. I’ve spent years doubting my ideas and abilities, only to realise that the answers were within me all along. Learning to trust yourself is the first step toward finding clarity.
When I stopped searching for answers and went back to basics—before the internet handed us solutions on a plate—I started listening to myself and taking action.
Sure, I had fears. What if I made a huge mistake? But then I remembered what I always tell my students: “We all mess up. Mistakes are part of learning. What matters is that we try.”
This doesn’t mean you should stop taking advice altogether. There are many wise people out there who can help. But take their advice with a pinch of salt and do your own research.
Take away
If you’re reading this post—whether you were searching for answers or not—I encourage you to take what resonates with you and make it your own. Try things out, make discoveries, and trust yourself.
The key is to tap into what you already know and make your own decisions. The more you become aware of what you’re avoiding, the greater your chance of overcoming it.
I hope this post encourages you to listen to yourself. Remember, most people don’t get things right the first time. Look at Richard Branson—he had many failed businesses before finding success.
You already have the answers within you. Trust yourself to find them.
Have you ever felt stuck searching for answers? Share your experience in the comments below, or check out my posts below for more tips!
