Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
The biggest hindrance in following Christ is our nagging need to be normal. It is the pressure to be like everyone else. However, Jesus has called us to be different, to not be of this world, but to be new creations.