Why I believe that ‘Creating’ before ‘Ready’ is crucial

“Like these flowers, growth begins quietly in small and uncertain steps.”

When I thought of sharing my work and thoughts online, my mind kept prompting me, “ Who will even care?” and “What if I fail?”. Eventually, I ended up posting, and that made a huge difference. Most of us wait till we are ‘ready’, confident enough, or skilled. But we are never going to be 100% ready, and that day will never come, and I would still be waiting for that special day. Let me throw some light on how I was able to start even before I felt ‘ ready’, which contributed to my growth and confidence.

1. Having Doubts

When I first came across the thought of writing and sharing, I had so many doubts- “ I am not a professional. “ “ What if people judge me?” But eventually, on deep introspection, I came to know that it is just my impostor syndrome speaking through my subconscious. The feeling that we don’t deserve to be seen as capable. But the way out is to act on it and start the work.

According to a study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, fear of failure holds people back more than actual lack of skill or knowledge. But the same study found that when individuals were able to reframe their failure as a learning experience, they were able to take action and succeed over time.

2. Starting small, with whatever I had

I did not have the best tools, team, or plan, but I had an idea, an expression, a voice, and the courage to take a step. For me, that small step was starting with a small post or following my hobby, or journey of my venture, or sharing a new idea with my friends, or filling out that form with doubts in my mind. Just to explore and let myself fall and learn from my mistakes, maybe for you it could be your first blog, a YouTube video, or a project. Done is always better than perfect and incomplete. Actions help us to bring clarity and insights.

3. My first step into the public

I still remember the time when I put my work there for the public to view, or pressing the publish button. It could be a small story, a college event, or a single design I created. I was very nervous and was overthinking in every possible way. But once I did, something changed. Now I was confident and optimistic. I realised that all the fear was in my head. People didn’t judge, some appreciated, some ignored, and some criticized. But the action that I took, the courage I had, was defining me now.

4. Clarity comes with Action

Before starting, people spend weeks planning and thinking; I did the same. But I was never clear and confident. Once I finally took the action, things started to make sense. I discovered new interests and was able to improve my skills. I began to learn and work on what I didn’t know. Thus, the ultimate readiness is built, not found on that one special day.

In fact, research (2016) from the University of Chicago shows that people gain more clarity and confidence after starting a task rather than before. The study found that action increases motivation and helps reduce fear.

5. Small — Small wins give Momentum

The moment I started to act, many small wins came my way. Some appreciated and texted me, and some even asked for help and advice. Even though things might not go perfectly but each moment taught me something invaluable. These small wins and teaching kept me going and reminded me that ‘ I can do this.’ Success comes from consistency, showing up, and owning it. One last thing that I’ve learnt Life is too short and unpredictable to just focus on one perfect path and wait for the signal from the universe. We should just explore, experiment, and allow ourselves to grow in different directions. Even if you feel like you were the last one to reach the goal, it still counts since showing up in itself is a win. You did the thing that many people were even scared to begin with.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I feel glad that I didn’t wait to feel confident; otherwise, I would have missed many opportunities and chances. I still make endless mistakes and feel nervous, too, but progressing is better than procrastinating. If you’re reading this and waiting for the ‘ perfect moment’, the special day, this is your sign To take your first step Build, Write, Speak, Express, Share Create now and confidence with catch-up soon later.