“Your first workout will be bad.
Your first podcast will be bad.
Your first speech will be bad.
Your first video will be bad.
Your first ANYTHING will be bad.
But you can’t make your 100th without making your first.
So put your ego aside, and start.”
- Edgar Alan Dough
The Fear That Holds Us Back
You’ve probably said this before:
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“I want to start a YouTube channel, but I don’t know if I’m good on camera.”
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“I’ve been meaning to write a blog, but I’m not a great writer.”
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“I want to switch careers, but what if I fail?”
What’s stopping you isn’t the lack of skills.
It’s the expectation of perfection.
The Ugly Truth: Your First Will Be Bad
And that’s okay. It’s supposed to be.
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Your first blog post may have awkward structure.
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Your first code might break every few lines.
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Your first pitch may fall flat.
But what matters is you started.
Think about this:
No one ever became a master without being a mess first.
Everyone Starts Somewhere (Even the Greats)
Let’s take a look at some real examples:
🎥 YouTubers
MKBHD’s first video? A grainy screencast with zero production value.
Today? Over 18 million subscribers.
🧠 Writers
James Clear’s early blog posts had little traffic.
He kept writing — now he’s the author of Atomic Habits, a global bestseller.
💼 Professionals
The first resume you write will probably miss keywords and structure.
But with each version, it gets better. And one day, it lands you your dream job.
You can't optimize what you haven't published.
Why Most People Never Reach 100
Because they never allow themselves to publish the 1st.
They delay, tweak, overthink, wait for “the right time”… and years pass.
Here’s what I’ve learned coaching professionals for over a decade:
Done is better than perfect. Consistency beats brilliance.
Start with the Right Mindset
Here’s how to start imperfectly but powerfully:
1. Give Yourself Permission to Be a Beginner
You’re not supposed to be great when you start.
Remove the pressure to impress — focus on expressing.
2. Track Progress, Not Praise
Your first blog may not get 100 views.
But it’s a stepping stone to your tenth, which might go viral.
3. Build in Public
Post your early drafts. Share behind-the-scenes.
Let people see your journey. That’s how trust and connection are built.
4. Learn Out Loud
Instead of saying “I’m not good yet,” say:
“I just started. I’m learning fast. And I’ll keep improving.”
🧰 Starter Checklist: How to Begin When You're Scared to Start
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Choose one thing: Resume, blog, fitness, content, speaking, just one.
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Set a timer: 30 minutes. Just start.
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Focus on quantity: Aim to create 10 pieces, not perfect ones.
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Ask one trusted friend for feedback (not validation).
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Review every week: What improved? What can you tweak?
🔗 Helpful Resources From This Blog
⚡ Real Comments From the Career Community
“I had been postponing my first LinkedIn post for 6 months. I finally hit publish last week and I’m so glad I did.”
“My first podcast episode sounded like I was talking into a tin can. But by episode 15, people started messaging me with appreciation.”
“I used to think every resume had to be perfect before applying. But sending imperfect ones faster actually got me interviews.”
✨ Final Words
You don’t need to be perfect.
You need to be brave enough to start.
Remember:
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No one talks about your first.
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Everyone celebrates your 100th.
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But you never get there unless you start somewhere.
So whether it’s a new role, a new skill, or a new content format
Take that messy first step.
Because your 1st will be bad…
But your 100th will be brilliant.
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