Nearly a decade ago, there were countless valid reasons I could have used to convince myself not to launch Life Goals Mag.
I lacked the “ideal” qualifications. I doubted my ability to contribute anything significant. I didn’t see myself as a leader, a writer, or someone capable of creating a legitimate brand.
Yet, I took the plunge anyway.
Chances are, you’ve got your own list of excuses that have held you back. Perhaps you’ve decided you need more experience, or that you’re not yet ready to identify as a business owner, creator, or leader.
Here’s what nearly kept me from starting my online magazine, and why I persevered despite feeling unprepared.
1. The desire for anonymity.
Initially, I didn’t want to attract attention. I wasn’t prepared to put myself out there or even use my real name. I chose to go by my nickname—Coley—rather than Nicole, as it felt more comfortable. (I still call myself Coley, because I love it!)
Back in 2015, sharing your journey online wasn’t as common. There weren’t many role models visibly opening up about their experiences from the get-go, and I wasn’t yet secure in my identity.
So, I played it safe. I kept a low profile. I allowed the magazine to take center stage until I became confident enough to share my voice more openly.
2. I lacked a formal journalism education.
This insecurity lingered in my mind for a long time. Writing wasn’t my background. I had never formally studied journalism, and I felt lost regarding managing a digital magazine.
Honestly, I still occasionally battle feelings of being “just a blogger” instead of a “real writer.” However, I’ve discovered that sharing your insights, curating significant stories, and fostering a space for ideas are valuable skills in their own right.
Interestingly, I worked in a publications department at a nonprofit when I launched Life Goals Mag, surrounded by seasoned journalists. I still shared my magazine with them, even when it felt audacious.
3. I wasn’t a personal growth expert.
Life Goals Mag has always been focused on personal development. However, the surprising truth? I wasn’t deeply involved in the personal growth movement when I first started.
I was simply curious. I wanted to learn from others. I sought inspiration.
At that time, I felt I had nothing unique to offer. I wasn’t arriving with a wealth of knowledge or a detailed roadmap for transformation. I simply wanted to be part of the community, to absorb information and share insights as I learned.
Over the years, I’ve evolved into someone with valuable contributions to make. This growth didn’t happen overnight, but it would not have occurred at all had I waited to feel “ready.”
4. I didn’t consider myself a leader.
During my youth, I was merely a dreamer. The issue wasn’t a lack of big ideas—I had a plethora. The challenge lay in execution. I was not someone known for finishing projects. My notebooks brimmed with plans, yet I had no solid track record of follow-through.
Leading a brand or building a community felt far too ambitious for someone like me.
However, Life Goals provided me with purpose. It became my motivating force. Eventually, I transformed into someone who could follow through, consistently show up, and create something tangible.
5. I was clueless about managing an online magazine.
I had never taken a course on how to create one, and to be frank, I had no clue about the behind-the-scenes work that went into it.
Rather than allowing that uncertainty to paralyze me, I decided to guest write for another online magazine to observe their methods. This experience offered enough insight to inspire confidence that I could navigate the process as I went.
6. I frequently doubted myself.
There have been—and still are—many instances when I asked myself, “Who am I to be doing this?”
Imposter syndrome? It’s something I’m all too familiar with.
Even now, I occasionally ponder, “Is what I’m doing good enough? Does it make a difference? Am I doing things right?”
Yet, I’ve discovered how to silence that inner critic by taking action. I continue to learn and create. I remind myself that the value lies in the journey, in the process, and in honesty.
You don’t need to have everything figured out beforehand. You simply need the resolve to persist.
And where are we now?
Now, look at us.
We’ve evolved beyond an online magazine. Life Goals has transformed into a comprehensive media company and marketing agency. We’ve collaborated with various brands, launched products, established a community, and greatly exceeded what I thought was achievable when I began.
It’s astonishing to realize how different my path could have been if I had allowed one of those insecurities to take charge.
If I had delayed until I had the “perfect” credentials.
If I had concealed myself behind the fear of inadequacy.
If I had convinced myself that dreamers don’t follow through.
But I didn’t.
And this serves as a reminder that you need not have a concrete plan before you start. You simply need to take that first step.
If you feel compelled by an idea, project, or venture, let this be evidence that it’s worth pursuing. Even in your moments of doubt. Even when the task seems daunting. Even if your voice trembles.
Keep pushing forward. Keep evolving. Keep showing up.
Because everything you aim to create? It all begins from the moment you dare to begin.