Just Do It

The Art of Starting Something New

Inhale, Exhale. 

I'm taking deep breaths as I write this, feeling it's finally my time to share a story I've held close for so long, my healing journey. Even before launching this Substack, I felt a strong urge to open up. If there's one thing I've learned from my experiences and observing others, it's that we’re always beginners when stepping into something new. Whether embarking on a new career, navigating first-time parenthood, tying the knot, or uprooting our lives for a fresh start across the country (hehe), it's all an uncharted journey. We'll stumble countless times, but what truly matters is that we keep moving forward.

For years, like many diving into a new venture, I hesitated and held myself back, both consciously and subconsciously. Self-discovery and healing are my greatest passions, yet I convinced myself I wasn't far enough along my path to start sharing. I thought, "Who would listen to me when I still have bad days, live with family, and haven’t manifested my soulmate yet?" Ironically, beginning this journey was exactly what I needed for my next phase of healing. Now, I find myself embracing vulnerability and building a community. It turns out, I was ready all along. Sometimes, our passions grow so large that not expressing them makes life feel dull. Not following our passions, in my view, often leads to a sense of emptiness. This personal essay explores how we can push past doubts and move toward our highest calling, even when we don’t feel ready.

Our Creator Makes No Mistakes

Your presence on this Earth is purposeful. Whether you resonate with God, the Universe, Source, or The Divine, I believe we all have a reason for being here, one that demands pursuing despite our feelings of unreadiness. Think back to dreams you've cherished since childhood, those that occupy your thoughts in the chaos of work or home life, or during silent reflections. These dreams are not accidental; they're divinely inspired. Visualize living your most purposeful life. What does it look like? Who's with you? What difference are you making? Spend a few moments immersing yourself in this vision without judgment. If it gives you goosebumps, it's a sign to start crafting that life now.

Analysis Paralysis

A term we’ve all been victimized by before is the title of this section… Analysis Paralysis is the perfection-driven “paralysis” that grips us when facing tasks we deem as complex, scary, or sometimes new. Our brains are programmed to seek safety, shying away from anything perceived as risky or uncomfortable. Without confidence instilled in childhood for trying new things, new ventures can feel like moving a mountain. It's crucial to regularly challenge our comfort zones, especially when embarking on new adventures.

We're Allowed to Start Small

Social media often makes it seem like beginnings must be awe-inspiring…wrong! There is nothing that I love seeing more than a smaller creator who pours themselves into a project and sees it through in the most magical way. There are countless people I follow online who may now have a small support system, but their consistency and continuous effort will undoubtedly turn their passion into something massive! We all have to start somewhere ya know.

Break Down Big Goals into Smaller Steps

To make large goals manageable, break them into smaller tasks. When writing a Substack for instance, I choose from a list of potential topics and decide which resonates most. After selecting, I jot down what I already know and then dive into research, exploring articles, videos, or whatever resources support my writing. I draft, edit, and refine over a few days, separating the process into practical steps.

Assess Your Resources

We live in the 21st century, and if you’re reading this, I assume you have some form of internet access. A major reason why we don’t get things done is that we sleep on the resources that are available to us right now. I bet you could easily think of at least 10 resources that would be helpful to you on this journey. In a few of Sarah Jakes Roberts's appearances, she uses the analogy of ingredients. Essentially, each of us has a metaphoric pantry full of “ingredients” that we can use to create a beautiful cake, “our dreams.” Each one of us was created with a unique set of ingredients, and it’s up to us to put them together and create a beautiful masterpiece. 

Keep Your Vision in Mind

It's easy to feel lost without revisiting why you're enduring discomfort. Continuously remind yourself of your "why."

Transform Fear

Fear isn't inherently bad, it protects us. By reframing fear, we can use it to our advantage. Ask yourself: Is this fear valid? Focus on the truth and shift to fearing the consequences of not starting. Keep your future self in mind, tackle limiting beliefs, and find daily ways to move toward your goals. Let the fear of getting too comfortable become what moves you, and take small steps to gather momentum.

That's a Wrap

I believe we are meant to make our wildest dreams our realities, but we must first begin. This isn't a call to put out crappy work in the name of just doing something; it's an invitation to start as you are, with what you have. Let's cast aside the fear of expectations for the coming year and step boldly toward the lives we dream of. Embrace imperfection as part of nature, and let’s move forward together.