THE TRUTH ABOUT STARTING!
5 of the Biggest Lies Holding You Back!
We all have dreams, ideas, and things we want to create. Maybe it's a business, a book, an art project or even a podcast — something that burns inside of you. Yet, somehow, the act of starting it can feel overwhelming. Like a mountain that’s hard to climb, full of obstacles. But what if I told you that most of those obstacles aren’t real? What if the roadblocks we face are just lies we’ve been told or that we are telling ourselves?
I’ve been there. I’ve believed every single one of these lies at some point. And, for a while, they held me back. But now, after years of trying, failing, and learning, I can confidently tell you that none of these things are true. So, let’s break them down so you don’t have to go on feeling stuck at the bottom of a huge, hypothetical mountain.
1. You Need to Be an Expert in Your Field
This one haunted me for so long. The idea that I had to know everything before I could even think about launching something. Especially a podcast! The truth? No one starts as an expert. We all start as beginners. It’s a humbling process, sure, but it’s also incredibly freeing. Because, guess what? You don’t have to know it all. You just need to know enough to get started. And the more you do, the more you’ll learn along the way.
I had one microphone and a laptop when I started the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. I had no idea how to record a podcast, interview someone, edit and do all the post-production, find a hosting platform, launch and market a podcast. But I started, and I’m learning as I go.
Remember, your experiences, and your unique perspective, are what matter. You are the expert in your own story, and that’s enough.
2. You Have to Do It All by Yourself
Ah, the classic lone wolf mentality. It’s romantic, right? The idea that you’re this creative genius who can conquer the world single-handedly. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, you shouldn’t. The best ideas often come from collaboration, from bouncing thoughts off of others, from getting feedback, and, yes, from leaning on a community.
It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to delegate. Doing it all yourself is not only unsustainable, it’s exhausting. So, why not try and find help and support and, in return help and support someone else on their journey?
3. Your ‘Thing’ Has to Be PERFECT Before You Launch It
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve delayed sharing something, even this blog post because it wasn’t perfect. I’d keep tweaking, editing, refining — only to realise that perfection was never the goal. In fact, perfection doesn’t exist.
When I finally hit “send,” “publish,” or “share,” the world didn’t stop and stare. Instead, there was either the sound of silence, haha, or people responded, shared their thoughts, and helped me, hopefully, improve. Every step is part of the process, and launching is just the beginning of that process.
Your ’thing’ doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be real.
4. You Have to Have It All Figured Out Before You Start
Oh, how I wish I had a map when I started. A neatly outlined plan that would guide me through each step. But the reality? Plans change. Circumstances change. You can never have it all figured out before you start — and that’s perfectly fine. The truth is, you figure things out as you go. The key is starting, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.
It’s like walking through a fog. The more you move, the clearer the path becomes. But standing still? That’s when things stay murky. The only way out is through.
5. If It’s Not a Success, It’s a Failure
This one is brutal and one we’ve spoken about before in a previous blog, The Power of Failing. We’ve all been taught that failure is the worst thing that can happen. But it’s an essential part of the journey where we learn some of the biggest lessons.
It’s easy to define success by outcomes: sales numbers, followers, and the approval of others. But real success isn’t about hitting a specific mark. It’s about growth. It’s about learning from every stumble. It’s about evolving. So, if things don’t go according to plan, don’t call it a failure. Call it a lesson, and keep going.
Starting something new can be terrifying. But it’s important to remember that these five lies aren’t truth — they’re just the stories we tell ourselves when we’re scared. The truth is that starting is the hardest part, but it’s also the most powerful. When you take that first step, everything else starts to fall into place.
So, let go of the fear. Let go of the lies. And just start. You’ve got this.
Thanks again for being a part of the Creative Nowhere Land journey and taking the time to read the blog. If you found any of this useful, then sign up for the newsletter for more, hopefully beneficial, information to help you achieve your goals. Also, to be the first to know when brand new podcasts are launched before anyone else.
So, until next time…