the first step isn’t the goal—it’s the bridge
- Ronja Hübscher
- Mar 15
- 2 min read
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Taking the first step toward anything new can feel daunting. Whether you’re starting a new job, learning a language, or launching a creative project, the fear of not getting it right can keep you from even trying. But here’s the truth: the first step isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s not where you prove yourself—it’s where you position yourself for growth.
why perfectionism keeps you stuck
Too often, we wait until we feel “ready” before we take action. We want to be as skilled in our new endeavor as we are in areas where we have years of experience. But that expectation is unrealistic—and it’s what keeps so many people stuck. The first step isn’t about mastery; it’s about momentum.
Imagine picking up a trumpet for the first time and expecting to play like Louis Armstrong. Or stepping on stage and thinking you should command the room like a seasoned speaker. That’s not how progress works. The first step exists to move you forward, not to create results immediately.
the mindset shift that changes everything
During the pandemic, when I was studying and learning to teach voice online for the first time, a teacher of mine shared a lesson that stuck with me: The point of the first lesson is just to get to the next.
This simple shift in thinking freed me from overanalyzing and hesitating. Instead of focusing on doing things flawlessly from the start, I focused on showing up, trying, and learning. And guess what? That’s how real progress happens.
lowering the stakes makes it easier to start
The pressure to be perfect often makes the first step feel high-stakes. But what if you treated it like a warm-up, a test run, or a draft? The quality of your first attempt doesn’t determine your success—it simply gets you moving.
When I launched my podcast, my first episode wasn’t recorded in a professional studio. It was recorded outdoors on my phone. It wasn’t polished, but it was a start. And that’s all that mattered.
your challenge: take the first step today
What’s something you’ve been avoiding because you’re afraid it won’t be perfect? A work presentation? Your first video on social media? Speaking up in a meeting? Whatever it is, take the first step today. Publish the thing. Raise your hand. Start before you’re ready.
Because here’s the truth: the second step will always be better than the first. And the third will be even better than the second. Progress happens when you move, not when you wait.
Let me know—what’s one thing you’ve been delaying? Send me a DM and tell me as soon as you’ve taken the first step. I’m cheering you on!
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