Why It’s Okay to Be a Work in Progress
“I’m quite illiterate, but I read a lot.”
Dear reader, I wish I could tell you I’ve figured it all out – that I’ve unlocked the secret to life, happiness, or at least keeping my inbox at zero. But the truth is, I haven’t.
Like Holden, I’m still puzzling over a lot of things, trying to make sense of it all, and occasionally feeling those flashes of clarity that remind me it’s okay to not have it all together.
If you’re here because you’re still figuring things out too, you’re in the right place. This isn’t a guide from someone who’s "made it." It’s a reflection from someone in the middle of the mess, sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
Confessions of a Work in Progress
I’ve shared advice on working online, living sustainably, and traveling the world, but if I’m honest, not all of it has worked out for me yet. At times, it feels strange – maybe even fraudulent – to write about happiness when I’m still figuring out what that means for myself.
But I’ve realised that sharing what I’ve learned during the process, rather than waiting for the “end,” has its own kind of value.
The truth is, none of us have it all figured out. And the more I try to pretend otherwise, the harder it gets. Over time, I’ve learned that imperfection doesn’t disqualify us from helping or connecting with others. It’s the opposite – our vulnerability makes us relatable.
Life isn’t about presenting a polished final version of yourself. It’s about embracing the messy middle.
The Fear That Kept Me Stuck (And How I’m Learning to Show Up Anyway)
For a long time, fear kept me frozen – not fear of failure exactly, but fear of being seen as inadequate. I procrastinated because starting meant exposing the parts of myself I wasn’t ready to share. I’d sit with an idea, turning it over in my mind until it felt too big or too daunting to even begin.
That fear wasn’t just about the work itself. It was also about the vulnerability of connecting with others.
I’ll admit it – I’m shy. The kind of shy that makes me second-guess reaching out to people or sharing my thoughts aloud. For a long time, I told myself that it was easier to stay invisible. After all, if no one notices you, no one can judge you.
But the truth is, staying invisible doesn’t protect you – it just keeps you stuck. I’ve learned that connection doesn’t have to look a certain way. For me, it’s writing. Blogging allows me to reach out in my own quiet, reflective way. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room – it’s about showing up in whatever way feels authentic to you.
Even now, I still feel the fear before I hit "publish" on a post. But each time, I remind myself that the act of trying – messy and imperfect as it may be – is what matters. Fear might always be there, whispering doubts in my ear, but I’m learning to move forward anyway, one small step at a time.
Why I Encourage You to Start Before You’re Ready
When I created the “What Makes You Happy” workbook, I felt like a hypocrite. How could I help others explore joy when I hadn’t figured out my own? It seemed ridiculous to put something into the world when I was still searching myself.
But I did it anyway – not because I had all the answers, but because I wanted to start a conversation.
And you know what? That’s been enough. Sharing my work has connected me with others who are also searching. It’s reminded me that we don’t have to be perfect to contribute something meaningful. You don’t have to be “there” yet to begin.
You just have to start where you are.
The Beauty of Embracing the Messy Middle
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: life isn’t supposed to be neat or linear. It’s not about reaching some final destination of clarity or success.
The messy middle – the confusion, the trial and error, the small wins and setbacks – that’s where growth happens.
I used to think I needed to have everything figured out before I could share my story. Now I know that sharing the process, the imperfect, unfinished bits, is where the magic lies.
It’s not something to be ashamed of – it’s something to celebrate.
We’re all works in progress, and that’s what makes life so beautifully messy and meaningful. It’s not about having all the answers – it’s about showing up, trying, and connecting with others along the way.
So, if you’re feeling stuck or unsure, know this: you’re not alone. None of us have it all figured out.
And maybe that’s okay.
What’s one thing you’re still figuring out?