If I had to choose just one piece of advice that’s shaped me the most, it would be this: “Don’t wait until everything is perfect to start—just begin.”
When I first heard it, I almost brushed it aside. It sounded like one of those pretty little phrases you’d see in cursive on a Pinterest board or printed on a mug. But as time has gone on, it’s become a sort of anchor for me—a reminder that life isn’t about waiting for the stars to align, it’s about taking a step forward even when things feel uncertain.
For a long time, I struggled with the idea of “readiness.” I thought I had to be more polished, more experienced, or somehow more enough before I could put myself out there. That mindset showed up in big and small ways—waiting to apply for a job because I thought I didn’t check every box, or hesitating to post something I’d written because it didn’t feel profound enough. Perfectionism made me freeze, and I’d sit on ideas far longer than I should have.
But the truth is, there’s no such thing as perfect timing. Life is always a little messy—your kitchen counter piled with dishes, your schedule busier than you’d like, your thoughts not as organized as you wish. And yet, if you wait for perfect, you miss out on all the messy, beautiful beginnings.
One of the most personal examples of this advice in action is my blog, Cups & Curiosity. I had dreamed about starting it for ages but kept putting it off, telling myself I needed the perfect design, the perfect photos, the perfect plan. Finally, I just opened up a blank page and wrote. It wasn’t polished, and my layout was simple, but it was real. And that first imperfect post opened the door to something I truly love. Now, my blog is a space where I get to explore books, journaling, travel, and little slices of everyday life that bring me joy. None of that would have happened if I had waited until I felt “ready.”
This advice has seeped into other corners of my life, too. When I sit down to journal, I no longer worry about whether my words sound profound—I just write, knowing clarity often comes later. In the kitchen, I’ve learned that experimenting with flavors and textures is far more fun than sticking rigidly to a recipe. And in my professional life, I’ve stopped holding myself back because I think I need to have it all figured out before I apply for a role or start a new project. Sometimes the best way to grow is to begin before you feel ready.
There’s a quiet kind of courage in starting. Not the loud, flashy kind of courage we often imagine, but the everyday courage of opening a blank notebook page, sending in that application, or cooking something new without fear of failing. And the more I practice it, the more I see that beginnings don’t need to be perfect—they just need to happen.
So now, whenever I catch myself waiting—waiting for more time, more knowledge, more confidence—I come back to that piece of advice: just begin. Because often, the imperfect start is what leads to the most meaningful journey.
What about you? What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and share the words that have stuck with you.
Cups & Curiosity 
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