“Half of us are waiting for permission; for someone to say okay, for someone to say do it, for someone to say that is a good idea, [for] someone to give you the money, [for] someone to give you the resources. When I just decided that I’m going to work with what I’ve got and give myself the permission, then it really started.”
– Ava DuVernay
The hardest part of tackling any project is taking that first step to get it started. It is so easy to talk yourself out of doing something worthwhile or trying something new when you haven’t jumped in and committed yet. The potential risks always dwarf the potential rewards from your spot on the fence.
What’s the thing that has been kicking around in the back of your head? Figure out what the first step toward achieving or doing that thing is, and then go do it.
Make the film, start the business, learn how to paint, travel the world.
Don’t worry about being fully prepared. Like DuVernay says above, the important thing is to jump in and do the best that you can do with whatever you have right now.
If you wait or let it pass you by, you’ll regret it. Maybe not in this moment, but someday down the line, you’ll be left questioning your decision to never begin. You’ll wonder what might have been. Don’t wonder.
Just start.