It’s an advantage to begin like you’re a nobody. You aren’t held by the need to keep up appearances. You can be real.
When you begin small and risk making a fool of yourself – you become capable of achieving brilliance. It takes longer, but it’s a worthy way to grow from where you are.
A common reason why we don’t start is that we think we’re not ready. We think we lack something – a skill, a quality, or enough practice. Though, we often forget that starting from scratch is an upside.
How we lose ourselves by trying to start big
We set high expectations for ourselves and often hope to be the authority. It feels nice to be an expert, doesn’t it?
But with the same desire comes a deep want to avoid humiliation and the fear of being judged for being an impostor. We’re attracted to fame that might be pleasing but doesn’t hold enough substance.
Soon, we are pulled towards unnecessary show-off, and forget the essence of work. The big reason why we started in the first place is left behind.
However, the expectations are less when you surrender
There aren’t many eyeballs to judge you or spotlights that can lead you astray. So, you can show up with what you’ve got and tinker with your ideas.
Instead of trying to be perfect, you can admit that you’re merely a nobody. You can do what you’re capable of, good or bad, and experience creative liberation.
You might even realize that you don’t need attention, validation, or proof to show that you’re doing well. Instead, you need the freedom of simply creating, starting over again, and refining your practice.
And does that make it worth it? Try it maybe.
Start like a nobody
Be on your own side, show up with whatever you’ve got. Be vulnerable, create even when you’re imperfect – that’s the right way to start. To not pretend to be who you’re not, honestly, like an idiot.
Don’t chase the ephemeral stardust.
You do more when you stop pleasing your critics, give up on craving attention and let go of the unnecessary expectation of being exceptional. At least when you start.
Nobody’s watching your videos. Or reading what you’re writing. Perhaps, the audience wouldn’t be here for a while. And that’s a good thing.
This time you spend in shadows, amidst namelessness, might be the best time to train. To find yourself. And to create yourself, over and over.
Obscurity is a blessing.