The Power of Firsts

Have you ever noticed how much weight the "firsts" in life carry?

Your first job, your first conversation with someone new, or even the first step toward a dream, they all stick with you. That’s because beginnings are powerful. They’re the spark that ignites the fire, the moment that sets everything else in motion.

Why "Firsts" Stick with Us

The human brain loves beginnings. Psychologists call it the primacy effect, the tendency to remember the first thing we experience in any situation. It’s why the first page of a book or the opening line of a conversation often leaves the strongest impression.

Books like "Atomic Habits" by James Clear delve into this. Clear talks about the power of small, consistent actions, starting with the tiniest first step. Want to be a reader? Just read the first page. It’s not about how much you do but about starting at all.

Another great read, "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle, reminds us that starting doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to happen. The magic isn’t in waiting for the right moment; it’s in grabbing the one right in front of you.

The Noise That Holds Us Back

But I often feel that we don’t take steps to experience our firsts because of the noise outside us. The expectations, judgments, and unsolicited advice from the world around us can feel overwhelming. In the cacophony of voices telling us what we should or shouldn’t do, we often forget the quiet inner voice that whispers, please take this step.

That inner voice is persistent but easily drowned out. Yet it’s the one voice we should listen to most. It’s the part of us that knows what we’re capable of before the world does. Trusting it requires courage, but it also brings clarity and alignment with our true selves.

My First Step as a Trainer

Let me tell you a story about my own “first.” My very first experience as a Behavioural skills trainer was one of those moments when everything felt on the line.

Picture this: a roomful of sceptical faces, the weight of expectations, and me, armed only with a deep belief that I could make an impact.

Everyone around me seemed to have their doubts. Some even said it out loud. “Do you really think you can handle this?” they asked. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if they were doubting me or projecting their own fears. But here’s the thing, I didn’t doubt myself.

When I walked into that room for the first time, my heart was racing, but I held on to one thought: They might not believe in me yet, but I do. I gave that session everything I had. By the end, the room had shifted. People who had doubted me were coming up to say how much they’d learned. That day, I realized something life changing: believing in yourself can flip the narrative.

Brené Brown’s "Daring Greatly" talks about this beautifully. She says that daring to show up, even when it feels risky, is an act of courage. That first step may feel shaky, but it’s the one that matters most.

The Courage of First Steps

Starting anything new often feels like standing at the edge of a cliff. You look down and see the endless “what-ifs” swirling below. But the moment you leap or even take a tiny step forward, you realize it’s not the fall you feared, but the flight you craved.

Books like "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho remind us that the universe conspires in your favor when you take the first step. Coelho’s protagonist, Santiago, starts his journey not because he’s ready but because he dares to begin.

Being the First to Lead

There’s a unique power in being the first to act. It takes courage to speak up, step forward, or try something new when no one else will. But being first often opens doors, not just for you, but for everyone who follows.

In "Never Split the Difference" by Chris Voss, the former FBI negotiator talks about leading with empathy and understanding in conversations. Being the first to extend an olive branch or initiate change can shift dynamics entirely.

What I’ve Learned About “Firsts”

Here’s what I’ve discovered through my own firsts:

1. Start Before You’re Ready: Perfection is a myth. The moment to begin is always now.
2. Embrace the Fear: Fear is a good sign, it means you’re stepping into growth.
3. Learn as You Go: The first attempt doesn’t need to be flawless. It’s a foundation for what comes next.
4. Trust Yourself: People may doubt you, but your belief in yourself is the only validation you need.

The Magic of Beginnings

Every beginning has the potential to be transformative. It’s where stories are written, where momentum builds, and where dreams take shape. My first experience as a trainer taught me this: when you dare to believe in yourself, you can rewrite not just your own story but the way others see you too.

What’s the one thing you’ve been putting off because it feels too big, too scary, or too uncertain? Take a moment to quiet the noise around you and listen to that inner voice, it’s urging you to take the first step.

Whether it’s starting a new project, picking up a skill, or simply taking a leap of faith, remember: Beginnings are where the magic happens.

So today, make a commitment to yourself. Start something new. Write down the first step, no matter how small, and act on it. Share your journey, inspire others, and let your courage spark a ripple effect of firsts around you.

Your story is waiting to unfold. Are you ready to take the leap?