I always knew that I wanted to be a writer. Well, maybe not always, but as a kid, I knew that writing was therapy and joy for me. I also knew that there was more to writing than just dribbling in my journal. However, taking the first step of putting my work out there was quite daunting. So, for years, I wrote but only to myself, only for my eyes, and occasionally for my mum when she uninvitedly read my journals or pieces of paper I left lying around.
Fast forward to Uni in my third year, I finally summoned the courage to share my work with other people. I created a WordPress site, and it was down to creating my first ever blog post. It took me a while to actually publish it because I was scared. I didn't know how people were going to react to it. But thank God I pressed that publish button because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here, telling you this story.
Starting anything new can be hard; starting anything new that matters is even harder. Starting a business, a habit, a company, you name it, can leave you with a thousand what-ifs that can paralyze you.
Why Starting Small is Crucial
Starting small is essential because it allows you to manage risk while learning and growing. It reduces the pressure of needing to succeed immediately, giving you room to experiment and adapt. Think of it as dipping your toes in the water before diving in.
Real-life Examples of Successful Small Starters
Many successful people began their journeys with humble beginnings. Steve Jobs started Apple in his garage. J.K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book in cafes while dealing with personal struggles. These stories show that starting small can lead to significant achievements.
Starting from Where You Are
Assessing Your Current Situation
Before you begin, take stock of where you are. What are your current skills? What resources do you have? Understanding your starting point helps you plan effectively.
Leveraging Your Existing Skills and Resources
Everyone has unique skills and resources. Identify yours and think about how they can help you get started. For example, if you’re good at writing, start a blog. If you have a knack for photography, use your smartphone to create a portfolio. Look around and identify what you have that can help you start. This could be physical resources, skills, or even connections with people who can support you. Make the most of what you have. Use free or low-cost tools available online, like free website builders or social media platforms, to start showcasing your work.
Overcoming the Fear of Starting
Fear of failure, fear of judgment, and fear of the unknown are common. Acknowledge these fears but don’t let them stop you. Look at it as a learning opportunity you will make mistakes, it happens but in the end it'll all be worth it. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make the process less overwhelming. I was terrified of sharing my writing. But once I did, I realized that the fear was mostly in my head. The positive feedback I received afterwards gave me the confidence to continue.
The Importance of Patience
Great things take time. Be patient with yourself and the process. Understand that success doesn’t happen overnight. Persistence is key to overcoming challenges. Each setback is a lesson, and each small win builds your confidence and resilience. Mistakes are inevitable, but they are also valuable learning opportunities. Embrace them, analyze what went wrong, and use that knowledge to improve. Always be on the lookout for ways to improve. Take courses, read books, and seek feedback from others to enhance your skills.
Starting small, from where you are, and with what you have is the best approach to achieving any goal. It reduces the pressure, allows you to learn and grow, and makes the journey manageable. Remember, every great journey begins with a single step. So, take that step today and start your journey towards success.
