Don’t Be Afraid to Be Seen Trying: How to Start When You’re Not Ready

Alright, let’s talk about that scary first step—you know, the one where you dive into something new and everyone can see you flailing around like you’re in the deep end without floaties.

But here’s the kicker:

Don’t be afraid to be seen trying.

Whether you’re launching a podcast, starting a side hustle, or finally tackling that half-baked project that’s been sitting on your desktop for months, this mantra might just be your new best friend.

The Myth of Being Ready

Let’s kick things off with a little reality check: you’re never really going to feel “ready.”

It’s like waiting for the perfect time to go to the gym—there’s always another reason to put it off, and before you know it, it’s been six months and you’re still in the same place.

The magic doesn’t happen when everything is perfect.

It happens when you just start.

And that’s what we’ve been doing here—diving in headfirst, unprepared, and figuring it out as we go along.

Take our podcast for instance.

There’s no fancy setup or a giant production crew working behind the scenes.

It’s literally just two dudes, some basic gear, and a platform called Riverside.fm.

The first episode?

More like a test run where I wasn’t even sure how the mics worked.

But guess what?

We showed up, hit record, and started talking.

It was messy, awkward, and at times hilarious, but it was real.

And that’s all you need to begin.

Breaking Down the Barriers: Starting with What You Have

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of starting something with minimal prep, because honestly, that’s where most people get stuck.

You look at other creators or entrepreneurs and think you need all this expensive gear or a polished brand before you can even begin.

Spoiler alert: you don’t.

Step 1: Use What You’ve Got

When we first started, Tom was using an iPad, I was on my laptop, and our microphones ranged from iPhone earbuds to a Shure SM7 (picked up for around 70 to 90 quid).

We didn’t have a producer, no dedicated studio—just an internet connection and a bit of curiosity.

The point is, if you have something that records audio, you’re good to go.

Don’t wait until you have the perfect setup because, by then, you might have lost the motivation to start.

Step 2: Consistency Over Perfection

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that consistency trumps everything.

Sure, we’ve missed our own deadlines here and there (I mean, life happens—flights get delayed, jet lag hits hard), but the aim is to keep going.

We’ve committed to showing up every week, even if it’s not the most polished episode or if the content feels a bit all over the place.

The key is to just keep at it.

The goal is not to make every episode perfect, but to make sure there’s an episode.

And with every new episode, you’ll find yourself getting better, more comfortable, and who knows—you might even start to enjoy the awkward pauses.

Step 3: Start Documenting, Not Creating

This is a big one.

The easiest way to start producing content is to document rather than create.

What does that mean?

It means don’t stress about making every piece of content some grand production.

Instead, just document your journey.

Share the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

If you’re stuck on what to say, start by talking about the things you’re learning, the challenges you’re facing, or the wins you’re celebrating—no matter how small.

People connect with authenticity, not perfection.

Embrace the Awkwardness

A big reason why people hesitate to start something new is the fear of failure—and even worse, the fear of failing in front of others.

It’s like you’re standing on stage with a spotlight on you, and everyone’s just waiting to see if you’ll mess up.

But here’s the truth: nobody is actually paying that much attention, and even if they are, they’re not judging as harshly as you think.

Take the show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” for instance.

It started off as a low-budget, scrappy project with no promise of success.

Fast forward a few seasons, and it’s a cult favourite with a massive following.

The creators just kept showing up, putting out episodes, and tweaking things as they went along.

And that’s what makes it relatable. They didn’t start off polished—they started off trying.

Why Trying Matters More Than Succeeding

Trying is the first step to finding what works.

If you’re too scared to be seen in the messy, unpolished stage, you’ll never get to the part where things start clicking.

Remember, even the most successful projects began as a rough draft.

And guess what?

Most of them looked pretty terrible at first.

So, don’t be afraid to let people see you in that awkward phase.

Whether it’s a podcast with a few awkward pauses, a blog post that rambles, or a business idea that’s still taking shape—put it out there.

Show your work, share your progress, and let people in on the journey.

The world needs more people who are willing to be seen trying, not just those who show up when everything is picture-perfect.

The Takeaway: Just Start

If there’s one thing you take away from this, let it be this:

Just start.

Don’t overthink it.

Don’t wait until you have it all figured out.

Because the truth is, you won’t figure it all out by planning.

You’ll figure it out by doing.

And yes, sometimes you’ll fall flat on your face.

But more often than not, you’ll find your footing, and you’ll keep moving forward.

So, what’s that project you’ve been putting off?

That podcast, YouTube channel, blog, or side hustle?

Go for it.

Hit record.

Write that first draft.

Launch the website.

And remember: Don’t be afraid to be seen trying.

Because trying is the first step to succeeding.

Keep the momentum going, and keep on hammering those nails.

You’ve got this.


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