You can just do things

i want to reflect on some of the lessons i've learned over the last few years.

i think the biggest thing is don't self reject. there's a bunch of things i didn't think i'd be able to do and was pleasantly surprised when i actually tried. i need to believe in myself more. you can trick your mind easily that you can do this thing.

things happen slowly and then all at once.

i see the same pattern everywhere. whether it's applying to jobs, building something, reaching out to people. it's scary at first, you get rejected a bunch, and then it all hits at once. each time learning and getting better. do NOT self reject.

the education system trains you to wait for instructions. get the assignment, complete the rubric, receive the grade. terrible preparation for building anything real.

turns out you can just do things. most people don't believe this. they wait for permission. wait for the perfect moment. wait for someone to tell them they're ready.

everything is there for the taking.

i've noticed that without a plan you fall to the lowest common denominator. infinite dopamine cycles without a set purpose. you have to adopt the mindset that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

wholeheartedly believe in yourself. your brain chemistry changes and will allow you to accomplish that thing. every time i've put myself in a situation i know is good for me and can't back out, it's led to success.

what you lack in experience you can make up with enthusiasm.

some things i keep coming back to:

don't self reject
validate your assumptions by trying
believe in yourself - your brain chemistry actually changes
what you lack in experience you can make up with enthusiasm
have a weekly and daily plan
think about the underlying purpose before doing something. am i doing this out of fear? think one or two levels deep.

perfection is the enemy of practice and just getting started.