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Step one is often the hardest because it embodies the transition from planning to action, where the fear of failure, the unknown, and the commitment to a new path can be overwhelming. It requires breaking inertia, confronting self-doubt, and potentially facing immediate challenges or setbacks without the reassurance of success. Moreover, taking the first step often means leaving one's comfort zone, making the initial action feel disproportionately daunting compared to subsequent steps which benefit from the momentum already gained.