Start Imperfectly

 
I just got the best advice from a friend: "Just do it!"

For those out there who think things over and over to check if they are just right before you start... Stop! Things will never be perfect. There will always be that one small thing that holds you back. The "what if...?" the "but I don't have..." or the fear of failure or criticism. Forget it! Stop giving it space in your heart and mind. It will not help you get started. Ever.

Most great ideas we see today were full of critics at the start, but thank God that didn't stop them from existing!

Just because an idea isn't perfect doesn't mean it has to die.


Do you think big companies started big? Do you think they had all the answers right up front? Do you think they started just as you see them today? Of course not! They developed. They grew. They started small. They had setbacks along the way that they had to overcome. It wasn't a smooth ride, but they evolved with time. And you can do the same.

Those fears that stop you will still be there when you start, but guess what? As you develop, as you evolve, they will go away. You will develop and grow along with your bright idea. No, it won't be all you envision at first. How can it be? It hasn't reached its peak. When things begin, they need work— constant work— attention, and care. (Think of a baby.) But as you put your heart into it and learn from those with more experience, you change, you tweak, you evolve.

So, just start. You've probably gathered as much information, courage and support as you'll ever gather until you start. Once you start, you will gather more information, your small successes will add to your courage, and your determination will gain supporters. Don't wait for someone else to do it. No one will do it for you.

Remember, not all the growth or progress will come at first, and you don't have to go fast. You just have to be consistent and not give up. It's your creation, so you have all the freedom to adjust things here and there, to morph it... to grow along with it. 

May this day be the day you give yourself permission to start imperfectly, to keep trying to reach that dream, to have faith that you have greatness in you, and that sharing it will help fill a void for someone somewhere.