For over a decade, I’ve harbored ideas, insights, and experiences that I believed could add value to others. Yet, the fear of imperfection and the comfort of procrastination kept me from sharing them.
Seth Godin encourages us to start shipping. He argues that putting our ideas out into the world is just as crucial as the problem-solving process itself. This perspective challenges the perception that we must have everything perfectly crafted before sharing:
“Realizing that there are two things at work here–the willingness to lean into problem-solving AND the willingness to share it–it’s possible to focus on the part that’s holding you back.” 1
“Shipping” means consistently producing and releasing your ideas, products, or content rather than endlessly refining them. It means publishing regularly, even if I feel like I need more time to be ready.
Tiago Forte is on the same lines, emphasizing the importance of early and frequent expression:
“The final stage of the creative process, Express, is about refusing to wait until you have everything perfectly ready before you share what you know. It is about expressing your ideas earlier, more frequently, and in smaller chunks to test what works and gather feedback from others.” 2
I’m challenging perfectionism in myself and opening pathways for new opportunities. Each post may spark conversations, offer solutions, and inspire to look closer.
So here it is, my small step into the unknown, with the recognition of making a promise.
Seth Godin, “Shipping creative work,” Seth’s Blog (blog), January 18, 2022, https://seths.blog/2022/01/shipping-creative-work-3/ ↩︎
Tiago Forte, Building a Second Brain: A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2022), https://www.buildingasecondbrain.com/ ↩︎