Start before you're ready?
As the new year approaches with its inevitable fresh start and wave of inspiration... let's talk about "starting before you're ready."
Honestly, its advice I'm not crazy about. Let's face it, you're never going to be "ready" for something you've never done before. So let's talk about "starting," because in my opinion this popular phrase of advice is what leads to imposter syndrome.
Maybe you have a big goal you want to tackle in the new year (I hope you do). I'll use myself as an example here... I had a vision years ago to teach music marketing workshops/classes. Ok, "start before you're ready!"
I rented some space, created a workshop, made some posters and promo graphics, invited some friends (for free)... and it was a fun YouTube for Musicians workshop! But then, no one came to my second workshop. Why? Because I literally started before I was ready! No audience, no name recognition, and no results to show off. I just took the end goal and went for it.
Enter: imposter syndrome! "Who am I to do this? I'm not good enough. Blah blah blah." It's no secret where these doubts come from. If you try to do something you're not experienced in or qualified to do... hello! But somehow I have an inner voice of great confidence that was instead like, "well ok, on to the next thing!" haha (#enneagram3 anyone?)
My intention in sharing this with you today is to YES, encourage you to start taking action on your goals, but to take baby steps.
Let me compare this to learning an instrument/new repertoire because I think it proves my point really well. Let's say my goal is to perform a Beethoven Sonata. Am I going to immediately make posters and invite friends out? Heck no! I'm going to start by practicing!! And practicing and memorizing and practicing some more.
So, maybe you had a 2022 goal you gave up on because you felt the imposter syndrome creep in... or maybe you've got a 2023 goal that's scaring you a bit? Don't misinterpret the "start before you're ready" advice that's everywhere. Start where you're comfortable, take action and then practice, practice, learn, and grow. You'll know when to "go for it."
PS. The happy ending to my story? I just wrapped up my first semester as an adjunct professor creating and teaching a digital music marketing college course. If you have a goal, don't give up.
Keep going even when nobody is watching.
Interested in working together in 2023? Email me at hey@designingtherow.com if a new website is on your 2023 to-do list... or if you'd like to learn more about getting my college course offered at your university!
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