How I transformed my worst flaw into a strength

Did you know that there is a gender gap in the job application process?

No I'm not referring to gender discrimination from the employer, rather the limiting beliefs that we, men and women, impose to ourselves.

Women don't apply for jobs if they don't meet 100% of the criteria, versus men apply when they meet 60% of the requirements.

In other words, we are hard-wired that we shouldn't start before we are ready.

In a traditional corporate world, starting before you're ready isn't well appreciated. We often strive to master our skills in private before discussing them, putting it in our CV, or showcasing them to the world. Btw, this principle also applies to our personal lives.

If I had waited until I felt ready, I probably would never have left my hometown, never worked at different companies, or never performed a monologue on stage. I wouldn't have made my first investment, purchased a property, invested in a business venture, or started my coaching business.

After all, what does readiness truly mean?

Let me share with you my thought process on what I did to transform this significant flaw of 'starting before being ready' into a driving force in my life.

This week, I went coasteering on an island and stuffed myself with panettone to take a break from my 2024 Marketing Strategy Planning. Marketing is more fun when it's done for others, would you agree?

Today's talk:

1. Start now, worry later
2. Who before the why
3. Ignore your inner voice
4. Conclusion

Start now, worry later

When I landed my first full time job, it took me less than a year to realise it wasn't the right fit for me. At that time, every single person around me—closest friends and even mentors—advised me to tough it out for another two years. The rationale? Changing jobs every year might convey a lack of loyalty, i.e. untrustworthy to potential employers.

TWO EXTRA YEARS? HELL, NO!

I was NOT going to be stuck in a job I dislike. I wasn't happy with the job, not because of the atmosphere (actually my colleagues became my best friends), but because I wasn't learning enough.

So, I quit and applied for jobs (yes, in this order).

Was I worried?

Yes I faced my fair share of 'nos', and it was tough at times - I had to take a temporary job to pay the bills. Seven months later, I got hired as a Consultant and had the best boss/mentor I could ever dream of. They saw my diverse background not as a weakness but as a strength, believing it would set me apart and bring a fresh perspective to the role.

Moral of the story: don't be upset if a company doesn't call you back, you want a company to work with, not just for.

Take things one problem at a time. Every problem is solvable.

When was the last time you were not able to figure out a solution?

Who before the why

In an ideal world, we would prefer to be entirely rational and fully aware of the reasons behind our actions in life.

I myself consistently ask my clients why do they want this (thanks to Simon Sinek for popularising the 'Start with Why' question).

Even though it's a valid question that should be posed regularly, we don't always have the answer… yet.

So, what's the next best question? Start with who you are!

You might not know the why, but you may know who you are.

In my 20s, I didn't understand why I was pursuing certain activities, and I had no idea about my aspirations for the next 10 years. But, I was committed to figuring out who I was.

Was I French? Chinese? An activist? An ambitious individual? A career woman? A project manager? A consultant? A runner? A procrastinator?

I couldn't give a definitive answer to any of these questions, but I knew I was an adventurer. I wanted to explore new things, step outside my comfort zone, test my limits, and avoid any potential regrets.

What are your top 5 attributes? If you can't find them, ask your friends and family.

Ignore your inner voice

Your inner voice is your worst enemy.

My inner voice can be annoying, whiny and extremely loud. And most of the times, he doesn't make any sense (yes, I decided it was a 'he').

This inner voice is the one that creates doubt, diminishes your self-esteem, and fuels itself every time you’ve told yourself you’re not good enough—at home, in school, at work, or on social media.

Let me tell you something: this voice ISN'T you! You are the one that hears it, but you aren't this voice. It only becomes a part of you, if you choose to act upon whatever he tells you.

So, the next time you hear that voice telling you that you're not ready, you can't do it, or you're not good enough. Face it. Call it out. Shut it up.

Then, ask yourself: In 10 years, will you regret not doing this?

> "There are two types of pain you will go through in life: the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Discipline weighs ounces, while regret weighs tons> ." - Jim Rohn ​

Conclusion

If I had waited before being ready, I would have never got any jobs, because I NEVER met the requirements. In fact, I even ceased looking at the requirements criteria, and only applied for companies I can resonate with. You will be surprised by how many like-minded people are out there.

Let me share with you three extra questions you can ask yourself the next time you feel you aren't ready.

1. Recall: Can you recall a time when you postponed taking action because you thought you weren't "ready" yet, but once you finally acted, you realised, "Hey, that wasn't so difficult. Why didn't I do this sooner?"
2. Assess: Don't use the research phase as an excuse for inaction. Assessing your risks is necessary, but don't dwell into a rabbit hole for weeks (or years!) before taking any actions. Ask yourself "What do I have to loose if I get started?' If you can handle the risks, you are ready!
3. Act: Concerning your current goal—whether it's financial, professional, or interpersonal—what's the one action you know you need to kick-start even before you feel fully prepared? Identify the immediate step that springs to mind. It's that intimidating move you know that will instil progress. Write it down and articulate it.

Start before you are ready philosophy will help you overcome fear, achieve more, seize new opportunities, and embrace growth. So, are you ready to be not-ready? 😉

Thank you for reading, and build your money mindset 💪

Sophie

PS - I waited for years researching financial planning before making my first investment. Don't waste your time and money (and the magic of compound interest!)

PSS - 2024 is around the corner, are you the type to reflect on your past year and plan for the upcoming year? I'd love to hear your assessment plan.