You will NEVER start at your best!

Yes, I said it!

Hey Fam!

Bringing this post back from exactly a year ago (when I posted it on 28/01/2023). Got a lot of great feedback on how helpful it was, so figured we could use the boost again this year.

Do you know this Nursery rhyme?

Good, Better, Best

I shall Never rest,

Until my good is better,

And my better, best.

If you know it, then you probably remember the tune as well.🎶

Now, here's something else (from yours truly) to remember:

Friend, you will never start at your Best.

I'm not saying give growth a Rest.

But just like a little birdie, in order to fly, must leave its Nest,

I only ask that you—go right ahead—and put your knowledge to the Test.

A simple, yet difficult concept.

I am a big advocate of growth, seeking it out, and committing to it, especially growing in areas that matter to us. I wrote a piece about that some time back. I still would like to reiterate that. However, there's a huge danger of loving the idea of growth so much that we shy away from actually doing.

Here's the kicker. Double check any disposition that doesn't propel you to action.

For many years I took courses on Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Content Creation, and so on…for many years o.

I kept waiting to FEEL qualified, always thought the next one would do it. It took me a while to realize that a thousand courses may not be enough to supply that feeling of qualification.

I remember getting a client a few years ago who wanted me to manage their content across various platforms, (not that I hadn’t created content for people in the past, or managed social media pages and the like, but) this had me working on strategy, content schedule, creating & curating the actual content, planning shoots, art direction, editing etc.

After a few weeks (maybe more like a month or two), the results were evident, and I couldn't be prouder. The feeling was like giving birth and watching your offspring grow & blossom. Don't ask me how I know what it feels like, I just do.

Fam! Please note that:

Nothing makes you FEEL more qualified than actually doing a good job.

The self-assurance one gets from knowing they can in fact, carry out a task, is unrivaled. Self-efficacy at its finest.

You know that feeling or status you keep waiting to get from your endless preparatory stages? I honestly hate to say that it may never come.

Here's a simple “formula” that might help:

Knowledge + More Knowledge Alone = Imposter Syndrome

Knowledge + Practice = Badass

The first leaves you bearing titles you're not sure you can back up, but the latter shows you that YOU CAN ACTUALLY DO THIS! It's a confidence booster like no other.

For the avoidance of doubt, I'll say it again…

YOU WILL NEVER START AT YOUR BEST!

If you don't agree, then I'm sorry if I wasted your time. But if you do, then what's the hold up? You think this is some Peter Pan thing where all you need is faith, trust & a little pixie dust to get you flying?

Well, you actually do need ‘pixie dust’: but this type can be found in you STARTING…

Choose ONE thing. That thing.

Start today!

No ooo, not tomorrow.

Get on your way.

…And watch as your greatness comes to play.

As I type this, I am filled with confidence in you and in what I believe you can do. And I am solidly rooting for you. Always!

Till next time.

Keep Breathing.

Here's a ONE-minute video of this message you should check out.

Do leave a comment, I’m eager to connect with you. And if you felt this story was worth telling, then it’s definitely worth sharing.