Why start now.

In year 11, as I was starting my business, Youth Leadership Academy Australia, I was asked: "Why don't you just wait until after you finish school?"

I sat there and wondered, maybe I should just wait, maybe I should just focus on my studies and start once school is over. The real question I was asking myself was, did I want to take a step closer to achieving my goals, or continuously hold back in the hope that I will have more time another day.

A quote by Karen Lamb stuck in my head "A year from now, you will wish you had begun today."

As I read that quote, I decided that tomorrow means never, and messaged a great friend of mine for accountability, told them my goals, vision, objectives and when the first event was going to be.

Over the next 6 months, there were more times than not of when I was overwhelmed, feeling underprepared, and that I just wanted to pause. I learned quickly that every time we start something new, this feeling of not having all the answers is expected and we must get comfortable with it.

As a 15-year-old, I was staying up late building websites, designing banners, contacting speakers, learning sales and the start was very hard. I never really understood if it was ever going to be worth it until I stood at the back of the room at that first event and seen what I had created.

As I worked hard and begun gaining this traction, new doors and opportunities stated opening as I created new connections. One door always opens up a few more. I had the opportunity to meet with the Minister for Youth, speak on a stage in Hawaii and create stronger relationships.

I made mistakes, time and time again, but each time I made a mistake, I learned a new lesson, I was not back at square one, I had a whole new opportunity for growth.

Often being told the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward, I was embedded with a need to step further outside my comfort zone. This led to the decision to host 4 events across Australia in March 2019 as a 16-year-old still in year 12.

Drained, stressed and exhausted I spent 2 weeks travelling alone with a 30kg suitcase, sleeping on couches of friends across Australia as the likelihood of me graduating year 12 slowly started to drip away.

4 events later, 212 students went back into their communities, feeling more adequately prepared for the future and became ambassadors for themselves.

After returning home, I did not realise the impact on my own community that I starting would have. Those around you who watch you start are going to be left inspired and motivated to do the same.

Now, with over 3000 students positively impacted form over 125 schools, I am so thrilled that I persisted through the fear, stress and concern of not only my own but also my family.

Although I tell this story as I said yes to starting this journey, whilst in the past two years, I have continuously told myself I would join a gym. Two years on, multiple attempts I can finally say, I have said yes to giving my body and health the respect it deserves by joining the gym.

Whether it be joining the gym or creating that business, there is one simple step to getting you a whole lot closer to success.

1. Start