Sometimes, You Just Need to Start.....

It was a bit hit-and-miss at the start for Penny, but then she settled into a rhythm and got the job done. And, as I watched her, it struck me how much her efforts mirror mine. Sometimes, the best I can do is start something, and then, all going well, the motivation of having started is enough to keep me going. Achieving something, no matter how small, carries me forward.

In leadership, imperfect beginnings have value. Progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay. Like my cat, some things need to get done, and it’s about persistence and moving forward no matter how slow the start.

There’s also the lesson of resilience. Despite reluctant starts, we don’t give up, get frustrated, or walk away entirely.

So, whether you’re leading a team, managing a project, or simply trying to find your rhythm in a complex world, remember this: it’s okay to start imperfectly. How you settle in, adapt, and get the job done is what counts.

Sometimes, the best lessons come from the most unlikely places—even from a cat.

The First Move: An Antidote to Perfectionism

Have you led a project and found yourself continually tweaking the product or service, reworking the launch plan, or seeking ever more data? By the time you entered the market, the window of opportunity had closed, and competitors had already captured the audience. In business, such waiting for perfection often means missing out entirely. There’s a fine line between preparation and procrastination.

“But what if we fail because we move too quickly?”

Failure is part of the process; consider every successful company you admire. They didn’t succeed by waiting for the perfect conditions. They succeeded because they started, learned from their mistakes, and adjusted along the way. You must make a move, even if imperfect—because perfection keeps you from where you want to go.

Are you holding back progress by delaying action?

Do you need momentum—progress, not perfection?

Leadership is often about having the courage to make a start. Progress happens when leaders are willing to embrace uncertainty, make decisions, and trust in their ability to adapt as they move forward.

As a leader, your success will often depend on your willingness to start—even when everything isn’t perfect. After all, growth and improvement come from action, not inaction.