“Just start. Don’t worry that you don’t have all the answers yet.”
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– Alli Webb
This powerful advice comes from Alli Webb, the founder of Drybar. Her words cut through the noise of overthinking and perfectionism. They serve as a direct command for anyone frozen by the fear of the unknown. Many great ideas never see the light of day. They remain trapped in notebooks and minds, waiting for the “perfect” moment. Webb’s philosophy challenges this notion directly. It suggests that momentum is far more valuable than a flawless plan.
Indeed, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This timeless wisdom echoes in Webb’s modern advice for entrepreneurs and creators. The initial push is often the hardest part. However, once you take that first step, the next one becomes slightly easier. This principle is the core of building anything meaningful, from a new business to a new skill.
The Paralysis of Perfect Planning
Why do so many of us hesitate to begin? The primary culprit is often analysis paralysis. We convince ourselves that we need more information, more resources, or a more detailed strategy. Consequently, we get stuck in an endless loop of research and planning. This quest for certainty becomes a sophisticated form of procrastination. We feel busy and productive while researching, but we are not actually making tangible progress.
This fear is rooted in a desire to avoid mistakes. However, mistakes are not just possible; they are inevitable and essential. The most successful ventures are built on a foundation of learning from failures. Waiting until you have all the answers is an impossible standard. The landscape will change. Your customers will have unexpected needs. Furthermore, you will discover things along the way that you could never have predicted from the start.
Embracing Imperfection and Iteration
The alternative to perfect planning is iteration. You start with a basic idea or a minimum viable product (MVP). Then, you launch it into the world. You gather feedback, learn from the results, and make adjustments. This cycle of building, measuring, and learning is the engine of modern innovation. It allows you to adapt to real-world conditions rather than theoretical ones.
Think of it as sculpting. A sculptor doesn’t start with a perfectly detailed hand. They begin with a rough block of marble. They chip away, refining the form over time. Similarly, your initial idea is just the raw material. The real work involves shaping it through action and feedback. This process is far more effective than trying to envision the finished statue in perfect detail before ever picking up a chisel.
Overcoming the Psychological Hurdles
The fear of starting often ties back to deep-seated psychological barriers. Imposter syndrome, for example, can make you feel unqualified to even begin. You might worry that others will expose you as a fraud. Interestingly, a vast number of high-achievers report feeling this way. This feeling is a common part of pushing your own boundaries. Source
Fear of failure is another significant obstacle. Society often frames failure as a definitive end. However, in the context of growth, failure is simply data. It is information that tells you what doesn’t work. Therefore, it guides you toward what does. Reframing failure as a learning opportunity is crucial for developing the resilience needed to start and to persevere through challenges. Every attempt, successful or not, provides a valuable lesson.
Practical Steps to Finally Begin
Understanding the philosophy is one thing; putting it into practice is another. How can you translate Alli Webb’s advice into concrete actions? The key is to make the first step as small and manageable as possible.
First, break your massive goal into tiny, actionable tasks. If you want to write a book, your first step isn’t “write a book.” It’s “write one sentence” or “outline the first chapter.” If you want to start a business, the first step might be buying a domain name or sketching a logo on a napkin. These small wins build momentum and confidence.
Second, set a non-negotiable deadline for that first tiny step. Give yourself 24 hours to complete it. The urgency helps bypass the tendency to overthink. Additionally, share your intention with someone else. This external accountability can provide the extra push you need to follow through.
Finally, focus on the process, not the outcome. Your initial goal is not to be a massive success overnight. Your goal is simply to start, to learn, and to adapt. Celebrate the courage it took to begin. Every subsequent step will build upon that initial act of bravery.