Starting Messy (and Scared)
I’ll be honest: creating this very newsletter almost didn’t happen.
I spiraled.
I’ve never considered myself a strong writer. In college, I failed more papers than I passed. And that narrative followed me into adulthood:
I can’t write. What if people judge me? What if I misspell something? What if they realize I’m not as smart as they thought?
But then I came back to two of my core values: growth and authenticity.
If I want to become a better writer… I have to start.
If I want to connect with my community… I have to show you the real me.
Mistakes included.
Typos included.
Vulnerability included.
So here I am — starting messy. And proud of it.
Here is the thing:
Your inner critic will always try to stop you before you start.
It wants safety, predictability, and perfection.
But growth requires movement.
And connection requires honesty.
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is show up imperfectly and say:
“I’m learning. I’m trying. And that’s enough.” “I may miss the mark here, but now I know what I need to improve on for the next time around.”
This Weeks Mindset Fuel
📘Book:
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life - Anne Lamott
A classic, humorous, deeply honest book written by a woman who openly admits she struggles with doubt, perfectionism, and the belief that her writing isn’t “good enough.” Lamott teaches the power of “shitty first drafts,” starting imperfectly, and writing with vulnerability
🎥Ted Talk:
Elizabeth Gilbert - “Success, Failure and the Drive to Keep Creating”
This talk is about creativity, self-doubt, fear of not being good enough, and showing up anyway. Gilbert speaks directly to the pressure of being judged and the need to create imperfectly, honestly, and faithfully.
🎧Podcast:
The Perfectionism Trap: Why Imperfect Consistency Wins Every Time: Episode 399
This episode reveals the counterintuitive truth that perfectionism—not lack of discipline—is what’s preventing midlife women from building sustainable self-care habits. You’ll gain insight into how the pursuit of “perfect” consistency actually undermines your efforts, plus walk away with practical tools to embrace imperfect action and finally break the exhausting cycle of starting over every Monday.
Fear Means It’s Go Time: Action Step
Do one thing this week before you feel fully ready.Just one. When you take the action, let me know all about it here.
If you’re ready to rewrite the stories holding you back from starting, Module 3 of Crush the Inner Critic walks step-by-step through that shift.You can join here: Crush the Inner Critic; Transforming Self Talk for Professional Success.
Thanks for letting me be imperfect with you. It’s one of the greatest gifts we can give each other.
Courage Up
-Missy
You’re reading this because you chose to download my resource guide or subscribe to my newsletter. I’m so glad you’re here. My hope is that with each read, you walk away with tools that help you show up with more courage each week. I know your time is valuable, so I truly appreciate you being here and taking a few minutes to read this note—one I’ll be sending your way every Tuesday.
Want to learn more? Check out my website
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Business Address:
ORCA Leadership, LLC
PO Box 172116
Tampa FL 33672
