Starting Before You're Ready: {Pick a Spot}

I learned a long time ago that waiting until you're "ready" is a great way to never begin.

[Warning: graphic nurse story incoming.]

Years ago, I had a trauma patient who was paralyzed from the upper chest down. He had no control of his bowels and, without getting into too many details, one day we found ourselves dealing with what can only be described as a literal poop fountain.

Yes. A poop fountain.

It was shift change after a long 12-hour night. I gathered several coworkers to help. They rolled the patient onto his side while I stood there gowned and gloved, holding a single washcloth.

The situation was... substantial.

I remember just staring.

Looking toward his back. Looking toward his legs.

Looking at my washcloth.

Feeling completely overwhelmed.

One of my coworkers looked across the bed and calmly said:

"Pick a spot, Jan. Just pick a spot."

Pick a spot.

That lesson has stayed with me for more than a decade.

Whenever I'm overwhelmed, unsure where to begin, or staring at a project that feels too big, I hear his voice.

Pick a spot.

Not the whole project.

Not the whole plan.

Just one spot.

Start there.

That's what this is. Starting before I'm ready.

Because I don't have time to waste.

Because if I wait until I feel completely prepared, I'll never begin.

Right now, I'm creating a foundation.

Reading. Researching. Learning. Testing recipes. Watching other makers. Asking questions. Making mistakes.

And finding unexpected joy in the process.

For the first time in a long while, I feel excitement about what's ahead.

I'll figure things out the same way I've figured out so many things before.

I'll pick a spot.

Maybe that's where you are too.

Maybe there's something you've been wanting to start but keep putting off until the timing is perfect, the plan is complete, or your confidence catches up.

Maybe today isn't the day to solve the whole thing.

Maybe today you just need to pick a spot.

That's what I'm doing.

And for today, that's enough.