Don’t Wait to Make Beautiful Things [Rerelease]

Keith and Laura explore the powerful lesson of taking action with available resources rather than postponing dreams until everything aligns perfectly. Starting with what you have instead of waiting for perfect conditions can transform how you approach goals and creative projects.

Keith shares a pivotal college experience that continues to influence his approach to creative work decades later. His creative writing professor demonstrated making music with a simple PVC pipe instead of a traditional didgeridoo, proving that meaningful creation doesn't require perfect tools. This lesson directly addressed Keith's struggle with feeling unprepared and lacking sufficient knowledge to begin writing seriously.

The story connects to Keith's ongoing challenge with waiting to be "picked" or validated by others before pursuing goals. He reflects on how the traditional publishing gatekeepers of his college years created barriers that no longer exist in today's digital landscape. Despite having the freedom to publish immediately through blogs and podcasts, Keith recognizes he sometimes still creates his own limitations. His insight about focusing on "what does a good day look like" rather than finding the perfect routine offers a practical reframe for anyone struggling with perfectionism.

Laura's experience as a college RA candidate illustrates the importance of authentic self-presentation and learning from initial setbacks. After being rejected for not showing up as her true self during the interview process, she received valuable feedback that transformed her approach to opportunities. When given a second chance, she succeeded by embracing authenticity rather than trying to meet perceived expectations.

Her gardening analogy powerfully reinforces the episode's central theme. Starting with just a shovel and building a beautiful landscape through trial, error, and gradual tool acquisition demonstrates how meaningful progress happens through consistent action rather than waiting for ideal conditions. Laura's willingness to learn from her mother while planting hostas shows how seeking help and starting imperfectly can lead to beautiful results over time.

We can make beautiful things with the tools and skills we have now. Don’t wait, work with what you have on your way to making it better. Imposter syndrome may be lurking in the shadows. But. it’s a signal to keep leaning in rather than stopping. When self doubt or perfectionism creeps up, use the tension. Allow it to push you forward from where you are to where you’re seeking to go. Then, simply ask yourself, what’s the next step?

Thanks for Joining Us.

Don’t Wait to Make Beautiful Things [Rerelease] - Episode 098

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The show notes were created with assistance from Perplexity AI, which helped generate and organize key points based on the podcast transcript.