To Be Great At Something, We Have To First Suck

Imagine if we told her, “unless you can say the words correctly, don’t say them at all.”

Imagine if she thought, “I look silly when I walk and I don’t want people to laugh at me so I’ll just not even try.”

Ludicrous, right?!

Innately we know that we don’t learn by never trying.

We know that to be great at something, we have to first suck.

And yet…. I’ve done this to myself. And I bet you have, too.

I’ve thought, “I don’t know how to pose for photos, or what to wear, or how to do my hair and makeup…. so I just won’t do a photo shoot.”

“I don’t want to look stupid, so I just won’t do those live videos.”

“I’m afraid I’ll be asked a question I can’t answer, so I’m not going to give that talk.”

Listen, I’m the girl who failed Business Communications because I skipped out on my final…

…which was to give a speech to the class.

I had to retake that class over again because of that decision.

But I was so afraid of looking stupid that I choose the big fat F.

And now, I put myself out there every day and I’ve been doing it for years.

Now it feels a lot easier.

But, 10 years ago, it didn’t.

Thankfully my mentor in my residency believed in me enough to throw me into the fire time and time again.

Until the fire didn’t burn anymore.

He knew the only way I could fail was to not show up.

Whether you’re learning to walk, working to increase your visibility, or simply holding back on doing that big thing that’s calling you…

Just start.

Then, keep going.

Hear the voices that say you’re not good enough.

Thank them for trying to keep you safe.

Let them know your commitment.

And keep going.

Keep showing up.