Step One – Take Action

When I meet someone for the first time, and they ask me what I do, I tell them I’m a coach dedicated to helping them unlock their creativity and bring their most important dreams into focus. 

Their curiosity usually leads to the next question, “How do you do that?”

Instead of giving a simple answer, I ask them a different question: What do you want to create for yourself, personally or professionally, that you don’t have yet?  With an emphasis on the word “yet.”

I love watching what happens next. 

There’s usually a pause, a moment where they inwardly reflect and begin to share. Some people smile or seem a little lighter as they open up about what excites them. Some even display a hint of disappointment or regret. We all have dreams or aspirations to achieve more in our lives.

As they share where they are, I ask them one last question: What would it mean to you to create it? 

Some get animated, their excitement growing. Others look more tentative, aware of what they want but unsure about taking the steps. And I get that—we’ve all been there at some point.

We all have doubts and different appetites for risk. For some, it is never the right time to start or take action.

That is the friction for most of us. We know what we want and may know what steps to take. But we freeze, held back by the fear of making the wrong choice. The fear of taking a leap can be paralyzing; doing nothing is the safest choice.

If you’re a regular here, you know I’m passionate about my journey to grow as a coach, photographer, and storyteller. 

I’ve been inspired along the way by the work of David duChemin, a Canadian photographer and author who challenges people to create boldly, take risks, and go deeper into their craft.  

I recently read David’s book Start Ugly: The Unexpected Path to Everyday Creativity. 

It is not a book about photography filled with technical jargon and images.  It is a collection of insights that apply equally to individuals who see themselves as creators and those who see themselves as leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs who desire to create more for themselves in their lives.

Among David’s insights is: “When we are at the beginning, the only truly wrong choice is not starting.”

The Power of Taking Action

David’s words remind us that we’re always in a position to choose. What’s stopping you from taking that first step? Is it the fear of failure? The uncertainty of what lies ahead? Remember, every small action you take is a commitment to yourself.

Creating a meaningful life is much like creating an impactful image—it takes patience, experimentation, and, sometimes, a leap of faith. A single action—sending that email, reading that book, listening to a podcast, or sharing your goals with someone, even if you are uncomfortable—can break the cycle of inaction. And once you’re moving, everything starts to unfold.

Celebrating Every Step of Courage

That first step deserves celebration because stepping out of your comfort zone is no small thing. Each action teaches you something. Growth isn’t about perfection; it’s about learning, adapting, and moving forward, even if the path is still blurry.

After every small step, ask yourself: What’s next? Each experience brings new clarity about what you want to create and who you want to become. The path doesn’t need to be fully mapped out—you just need the courage to keep stepping forward. Accept the gift of learning from each of the actions you’ve taken.

Each action, no matter the result, is a win because it brings you closer to becoming the person you want to be.

Your Next Step

I invite you to consider the following question: What do you want to create for yourself, personally and professionally? What will it mean to you when you have it?

Then, choose to take action. Celebrate that decision, learn from every moment, and keep going.

If you’re ready to clarify your goals and would like guidance on the path forward, let’s talk.

Schedule a call today.

We’ll dig into your dreams, and I promise you’ll leave our conversation with a clearer sense of direction and a tangible next step forward.

Your journey is waiting—step one is to take action.

Schedule your call.