The people already doing it

Okay, but to really learn to swim, you’re gonna have to get into the water. (State Library of New South Wales)

For the longest time, I really struggled when I encountered work from people who I perceived were farther down the path than I was.

They were more established, more accomplished, and more polished. Seeing their stuff made me want to not even bother.

Stage One was just that — not bothering. Sadly slipping back into my cave like Puff the Magic Dragon.

But then, I found it in me to continue with the work even though I felt bad. It was driven by sheer desire — an idea that would not let me go.

And in fact, I could create. I could make things — or at least start them and come back to them from time to time.

Then, if I saw one of those impressive people, I would feel bad. But I could recover from the discouragement and get back to making things, though a bit sporadically. Stage Two.

In time, it dawned on me that I could actually pay some of these farther-down-the-path people to help me. So I did, and they did. Stage Three.

After that, I understood that there were strategies and tactics I could learn in order to do the things I wanted to do. I wasn’t as scared or threatened by the work that I saw that was more highly developed than mine, as long as it wasn’t the same kind of work that I wanted to be doing myself. Stage Four.

Next, I began to deploy the strategies and tactics I had learned. I started showing up consistently. I made connections and made offers. I tried things, even when they were uncomfortable, and they worked. However, most of the time, I needed a lot of space away from other creators and only operated within a relatively safe, limited sphere. This was Stage Five.

This worked really well for awhile. I was having fun. I was making friends. I was creating. I was earning a living.

But there was more. I wanted to see where I fit in with all of the others — those people who were already doing it when I showed up, and the people who have come along since.

And I wanted to see what else I could learn. I wanted inspiration, ideas, and connection. I didn’t need to be safe and small anymore. My vision and confidence in myself were strong enough — I knew wasn’t going to be crushed. Even though I didn’t have all the answers, I was strong enough and secure enough to look for them out there. Stage Six.

The other people doing what I wanted to be doing? I realized that they were not my competitors, but my peers. There was room for all of us, and I could figure out where I might carve out a little spot. What was different about me? What did I stand for that was distinct? The work of my peers was needed, and so was mine.

I can’t tell you about Stage Seven because I’m not there yet. Still in Stage Six, I’m leaning into the work of people that I would have been resentful of or intimidated by in previous stages of the journey. I’m embracing it and studying it, noticing how they talk about what they stand for, who they’re for, and what they do. I’m observing how they attract and serve the people they are trying to find — what works and what doesn’t. It is more fun and interesting than I could have ever imagined.

If you haven’t undertaken this journey yet, my path might not be precisely replicable, but it is follow-able. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’m following in the steps of those who came before, even though that’s exactly what I was so apprehensive about doing. And if you are willing to get over yourself a lot faster than I did, you may find that it will be a lot smoother for you. The key ingredients, as far as I can see, have been a strong internal drive, humility, and faith.

But maybe it takes less faith when you recognize that other people have already done what you’re trying to do. And to the extent that you can go toward them instead of away from them, you will benefit. It was scary, but I finally did it.