The Power of Showing Up—Even When It’s Not Perfect
Dear Readers,
We’ve all done it—held ourselves back, waiting for the “perfect” moment, the “right” circumstances, or the “ideal” version of ourselves before taking action. But here’s the truth I’ve had to face: waiting is just another way of staying stuck.
Today, I’m making a choice. I’m choosing to show up—flaws, doubts, and all. Because I’ve realized that growth doesn’t come from waiting for the perfect conditions. It comes from stepping into the unknown, doing the work, and learning along the way.
And if you’ve been waiting too—this is your sign to start anyway.
1. Perfection is the Enemy of Progress
I used to believe I had to have it all figured out before I could take the next step. But the problem with waiting for perfection? It never comes. There will always be something we wish we could tweak, fix, or improve. Meanwhile, opportunities pass us by, and we stay exactly where we are.
One of my biggest struggles has been just showing up. Whether it’s posting on social media, putting my name out there for speaking engagements, or promoting my own work, I always found a reason to hold back. “I need to tweak this first.” “It’s not good enough yet.” Sound familiar?
But you know what? I’ve seen others take risks, show up boldly, and grow because of it—while I stayed in the background, overthinking. That’s when I realized: the only difference between them and me was that they weren’t waiting for permission.
If you’re waiting until you feel “ready” to launch the business, start the blog, apply for the job, or take the next step—consider this permission to do it now.
2. The Beauty of the ‘Messy Middle’
Social media often shows us the polished, finished product—but what we don’t see is the in-between. The late nights, the doubts, the failures before the wins.
For me, this showed up in my blogging and content creation. I kept waiting for the perfect moment to write consistently, to fully lean into my brand, to launch ideas I’ve been sitting on for years. And guess what? That “perfect” moment never magically appeared.
But once I started showing up—even imperfectly—I realized that the process itself was the most important part. The journey matters just as much as the destination.
3. Confidence Comes from Action
If you’re waiting until you feel confident before you start, I hate to break it to you—but that’s backward thinking. Confidence doesn’t come first. Action does.
Every time I’ve pushed myself to show up—even when I felt unsure—I proved to myself that I was capable. And that’s how confidence is built. Not by waiting, but by doing.
I’ve seen this firsthand in my public speaking. I know I have value to share, but for the longest time, I let fear keep me from fully putting myself out there. But the truth is, every successful speaker, creator, or entrepreneur started as a beginner. The only way to get better is to start—no matter how imperfect it feels.
4. Embracing the ‘Not Yet’ Stage
We often hesitate to start because we’re afraid of being seen in the “not yet” stage—the phase where we’re still learning, growing, and figuring things out.
But what if we embraced it instead? What if we showed up as we are and allowed ourselves to evolve in public? Because truthfully, none of us have it all figured out. We’re all just doing the best we can, learning as we go.
Final Thoughts
So, here’s my challenge to you (and to myself): What’s one thing you’ve been putting off because it’s not ‘perfect’ yet?
For me, it’s this—showing up, even when I feel unsure. Whether it’s posting, speaking, or stepping into my power, I’m choosing to do it anyway.
Whatever it is for you—start anyway. Your future self will thank you.
What’s something you’re showing up for this month, even if it’s not perfect? I’d love to hear your story.
With courage and commitment,
Just Catrina
