I read a fascinating story about a man who worked in an advertising firm.

One day he said to his manager “I’m leaving. I’m going to be a drummer”.

His manager said “I didn’t know you played the drums”.

The young man replied “I don’t. But I’m going to”.

That young man was called Ginger Baker.  He became known as rock’s first superstar drummer.  A few years later he was inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Goes to show that not knowing how to do something is not a barrier to doing it.

In fact, it’s completely necessary. 

If you’re starting out at something, how can you know anything about it?

You can’t.

Everyone starts from zero.  In everything.

At one point, Serena Williams hit her first tennis ball.

At one point, Arnie read his first movie script.

And at one point, Elon Musk knew nothing about running a company.

The same with you.  Whatever you’re doing today – at one point, you knew nothing about it.

Seems obvious right?

But it’s something I hear from people all the time. 

“I can’t start doing that.  I don’t know anything about it”.

Of course you don’t know anything about it.  

You’re just starting out!

What it really comes down to is this:

To start something new, you have to be okay with not knowing how to do it. 

With being a beginner and making mistakes.  Maybe even looking a bit stupid.

But guess what?

This is how you learn.

And learning is how you improve.

And improving is how you end up doing what you want to do.

Don't get me wrong.

It’s not easy putting yourself out there and starting from scratch.

Especially if it means turning your back on something.  Or butting heads with people who say “you can’t”.

I know this first hand.

But I also know that it is possible.

And the rewards for starting something new can be immense.

So if you’re thinking about it, here's a mindset shift which might help:

Whatever you’re considering …

Whether it’s a new sport or hobby like Serena, a change of career like Arnie, or starting a new business like Elon…

You’re on the same path as them.  And every step you take has already been taken by them and millions of others.

So you’re exactly where you need to be right now.

Just get going.  And don’t stop.

That’s it for today.

Hasta la vista,

- Tom 

p.s. Whenever you're ready, here are the ways you can connect with me