I dreamed of having a blog for a long time, but never knew what it would be about. I love an array of topics and didn't want to be limited by reader expectations or the idea that I needed to maintain a "brand" if a topic I find fascinating didn't fit into some pre-established scope.

So I never started a blog. I just couldn't figure out a way to make it work in my head. A way to make it neat. Aligned. 

But then, I invited a huge change into my life as I decided to quit my job to go to grad school full-time to pursue a Masters in Social Work. Since making that decision, the path seemed clear, albeit unknown and scary: I could write about learning about social work. 

I've heard numerous times that teaching and chewing up and regurgitating information in your own words are two of the best ways to solidify new knowledge. That's what I hope this blog will help me do, all while providing (hopefully) valuable information on mental health, being a student, and a few peripheral topics in between.

Brace Yourself for Doubt

But now that I've gotten started, albeit barely, my brain is confronted with an onslaught of doubting thoughts: "Should you really share that picture of yourself in your first blog post? How will that affect your future and current career?" and "Is it a good idea to write about your impostor syndrome?" and "What if your school doesn't want to be represented by a student who doesn't know anything yet? What if writing about what you haven't studied yet hurts your professional reputation later on?"

To all those questions, I am doing my best to answer, "So what? If those things happen, I will deal with them then." If I cave to these questions, which are valid, I become paralyzed. I'm no longer able to work. The questions stop all my progress in its tracks. Because I'm new at this. For now, while I'm practicing The Art of Just Getting Started, I need to focus on Doing. Creating. Making. Growing.

Embrace the Discomfort

So much of my career as a communications professional required second sight, constant questioning, and shrewd editing. But like a twenty-something opening up a retirement account, I'm new at this, and I can tolerate some risk. 

In addition, I don't want to censor myself. I want to be myself, because I don't know how not to. If I post a picture of myself in what I wear at home to help illustrate the impostor syndrome I'm experiencing, so be it. It shouldn't be a radical thing. Yet, in contrast to how I've monitored my online presence since working at a school, it feels like a protest against self-inflicted tradition. It's uncomfortable.

Find the First Step

So, for me, starting this blog is my exploration of The Art of Just Getting Started (finally!). 

What do you want to start, but have put off due to doubts, traditions, and unanswerable questions? How will you just get started?