Hi friend,
This newsletter is inspired by this week's Authentic Influence call. It's a program I run to help founders and executives grow on LinkedIn.
One of my clients has a lot to say, comes up with fun posts, and has an impeccable track record of corporate experience.
But she hasn't posted on LinkedIn for a while...and she said,
"I'm waiting for it to be the right time, when my posts really make sense to me and the audience."
Have you been waiting for the right time to attain your goals too? If yes, this is for you.
Because this thought process is dangerous.
Btw - the last cohort of 2026 starts on 15th September. If you want to learn from me, now is the time.
Now, this client... let's give her a name - Ana.
Ana wants to write on LinkedIn. She's worked in the corporate sector for decades and now wants to venture out on her own. She wants to coach women who are going through a mid-life crisis.
But that's the end game.
Right now, as a brand new profile on LinkkedIn, she needs to
- address these women's challenges
- talk about her experience
- write compelling stories
She has all the content.
She has now learnt how to ideate and craft it into a compelling piece.
But she's afraid to show up.
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney
Can I be honest?
This isn't just Ana's story. This is the story of many, many professionals out there who want to build something meaningful but are afraid of not being good enough.
It's the very definition of imposter syndrome.
A 'syndrome' I didn't even know about until I started writing online and saw many people talking about it.
And it's so important to overcome this because without it, you'll be stuck where you are.
And for Ana who has invested a good chunk of time and money in my program, and for you, dear reader, who has made it this far, that too on a Saturday - it means you don't want to stay where you are.
You want something bigger.
Something you look back at and feel proud about.
For starters, I want to tell you that the fact that you have the intention to stand out makes you audacious. You want to do something that isn't conventional because you believe in it and believe in yourself.
The world needs more people like you.
Secondly, I want to be honest: showing up for the first time is the hardest thing to do. The good part? It gets easier after the first one.
Think of those of you who work out. Starting was harder. You probably made it fun by shopping for new clothes, exploring gym memberships, or online programs.
But to show up and exercise... was... an effort.
"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen." — Brené Brown
Now, craft your post, and hit publish.
It doesn't need to be your best post.
It doesn't need to reflect your entire personality.
You don't have to do it to impress anyone.
Because whether you like to hear this or not, the fact is that as a newbie... nobody is seeing you anyway :) You may get under 5 likes. And that's not to demoralise you, it's to show you that the fear is much bigger in your head than in reality.
Before you hit publish, you will overthink. Feel jitters. Second-guess yourself.
But do it anyway.
Because...
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain
Life is too short not to follow your dreams and chase your goals. We take time for granted, whereas it's the only thing we will never get back, no matter how hard we try.
When you zoom out and think of this perspective, you realise that
- what will people say?
- what will my friends think?
- I will do it when I'm 'ready'.
is so not worth it.
It gets better when you start.
The answers to most of your Qs about what your business will be, how to get there, and where to put up your first product - you will eventually get there if you start.
But to think of it before you even start...will ensure you stay where you are.
So get things moving.
All the best!
Love,
N
PS: Apply for Authentic Influence here.