What Are You Waiting For?
This is a question that I seem to be asking a lot lately. To whom, you might ask? To the many that are venturing online or perhaps have been online with their businesses but have yet to do anything. When asked their response is a bit muffled but the end result is that they are waiting for perfection. Ahem, perfection?
If we all waited for perfection, we would never get started! Many will say, ‘but my site’s not quite finished’ or ‘I don’t have enough content’ or ‘I need a bit more time or experience’ or ‘My video isn’t quite right’ and ‘_____________’ you can fill in the blank. To them I say, get up and do it!
If you can’t figure it out yourself, then find someone that can help you. The point is that you shouldn’t be waiting for perfection. Quite honestly it may never be perfect. But what is imperfect for you, may seem perfect for someone else.
In order to succeed in your business or in life for that matter, you must be willing to take the chance. Can you imagine if Steve Jobs hesitated with his ideas or worse yet, if he waited until all was perfect? Yeah, you know where I’m going with that one! Just do it!! For some, or for many we will learn as we go. Ever heard of on-the-job training? Why should your business be any different. It doesn’t have to be different, it just has to be ‘yours’. No one can get in your head and take out your expertise, that is up to you.
You already have the knowledge on what you would like to share, or teach or sell, etc. Instead of waiting, start today! If you don’t have a website, start with a simple page or even a free site. Get your feet wet and notice that you will be fine. Connect with others online via social networks and ask questions. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You may find that you are not alone with your fears of imperfection and actually find folks that can help you and guide you. So, what are you waiting for?
Great advice. Especially for new entrepreneurs. Having run a business full time for a few years now, I know that your business grows and evolves with your customers. If you don’t get started, you will never get any feedback as to how you can improve.
I always tell people to EXPECT that many things will need to improve and change and the sooner they get started, the sooner they will learn how to make their business better. Your customers will love you for being flexible and adaptable and you will grow your skillset way quicker.
Great comment Justin. Nothing happens until you get started. Talk is just that – talk. Action shows – to yourself more than anyone – that you are serious.
Terrific advice Carrie, as usual. It reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Walt Disney…
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
Sharon McPherson
a.k.a. The Fuller Brush Girl
Agreed. Jump in! Sink or Swim! I’ve sunk many times, only to struggle back to the surface. Pretty soon you learn how to stay afloat. Survival is a powerful motivator.
Is anyone else waiting for some magical inspiration or motivation? Maybe I just need a good, old fashioned kick in the pants!
Carrie,
Right on! I think I heard this from Mike Litman but I think he may have been quoting someone else but it goes like this, “You don’t have to get it right, you’ve just got to get it going.”
I have always liked that quote but it is absolutely true!
Without action, you will never know whether you are making forward action.
Thinking it has to be perfect is also a habitual way of acting and thinking that people have that holds them back from many endeavors.
Keep up the great work, Carrie!
Here’s to Your LifetoSuccess,
John Clark
Thank you Carrie for your wonderful insight. You are my hero!!! I am such a perfectionist it’s crazy. Need to jump in there and just do it!
Oh yes. Sad to say that most people just TALK about what they’re going to do, and very few just GET ON WITH IT. Personally, I get bored if someone repeatedly tells me “I’m going to do this, this and this” and then never do it. If you aren’t going to do it, then why waste your breath? But if you ARE going to get on with it, then talk talk and talk some more – I love to hear what you’re up to and to help any way I can through the Women’s Online Business Academy.
Carrie
This is a message preached by many coaches, speakers and authors. What I so respect about you is that you are, for me, the Queen of “Just Do It.” This isn’t just another sermon (preached by a preacher who secretly doesn’t walk the talk), this is a lesson from someone I soooooo admire for walking her talk. In so many ways. So consistently.
Thank you for being such a bright light for entrepreneurs.