Start Imperfectly and Keep Going: Lessons Learned from Starting Something New

Starting something new can be daunting. Fear and hesitation can prevent us from pursuing our dreams and achieving our goals. I know this firsthand, as it took me two years to take the plunge and start swimming at a pool I passed by every day.

The fear of failure, the unknown, and even the fear of success can hold us back. We can become so consumed with our fears that we never even begin. However, it’s important to remember that starting small is better than not starting at all. Imperfectly starting is also better than not starting at all.

When I first began swimming, I started small and slow, just a few lengths with breaks. With time, I built up my endurance and can now swim 1km without breaks. It’s not a lot for some people, but it’s progress from where I started, and it’s progress from last week.

If you’re struggling to start something new, it’s important to ask yourself what’s preventing you from starting. It’s often nothing, trivial, or a plain old excuse. Recognizing the root of our fears and hesitations is the first step in overcoming them.

One way to combat fear is to break down your goals into smaller, achievable steps. For example, if your goal is to start a business, you can start by researching and writing a business plan. If you’re afraid of failure, remind yourself that failure is a necessary part of growth and learning.

Another way to overcome fear is to seek support from others. Talk to friends or family who have pursued similar goals. Seek out mentors or coaches who can guide and support you along the way.

In conclusion, starting something new can be scary, but the rewards can be tremendous. Whether it’s swimming, starting a business, or pursuing a new hobby, taking the first step is the hardest but most important step. Remember to start small, imperfection is better than not starting at all, and seek support along the way. So, ask yourself what you’re hesitating to start and why, then address it and start!

Photo by Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash