You don’t have to have it all figured out.
You just have to know Step A and do it. Then Step B, and then do it.

You don’t have to listen to the negative chatter inside your head.
You can choose to mute it and turn the volume up on the good stuff.

You don’t have to be overwhelmed.
You just take it moment by moment and focus only on what’s in front of you.

You don’t have to have the best team, the right website, or be an expert.
You have everything you need right now; you just need the courage to act.

You don’t have to wait for the sun or your trainer to exercise.
You put your kicks by your bed and do it without thinking.

You don’t have to wait until the blogger says “Yes.”
You do it with someone else and before someone else does.

You don’t have to wait for investors or your boss to notice your smarts.
You recognize it first.

You don’t have to feel ashamed of learning how to do it.
You know that you can’t be a beginner and be an expert at the same time.

You don’t have to feel guilty for spending time on what makes you happy.
You do have to worry if you never listen to the voice inside you.

You don’t have to wonder if you will look “messy.”
You will. Messy is okay for some time, even if it feels like a long time.

You don’t have to (and cannot) play someone else’s game.
You play yours the best you can. It is yours and yours alone.

You don’t have to sacrifice all of who you are to please others.
You do have to have boundaries and know why you have them.

You don’t have to wait until your parents or wife or best friend understands you.
They won’t. You have to understand yourself before you expect it from others.

You don’t have to wait for someone to help you.
You have to ask for help when you need it without shame.

You don’t need to wait for others to give you props before you give it to them.
You can feel grateful for others’ success because it shows you where you want to do.

You don’t have to feel like confident people were “born with it.”
You do have to build your own toolbox with things that make you feel strong.

You don’t have to feel like your time hasn’t come or that it never will.
You do have to know deep down that your best is yet to come.

Here’s to turning your “don’ts” into “dos.” Drop a comment below and tell me what you turned around today. I can’t wait to hear from you.


Ishita Gupta is the publisher of fear.less magazine. She worked at The Domino Project, runs the Potential Project, and helps people overcome fear and design their best lives. She also consults for authors and businesses on marketing and publishing. You can also follow Ishita on Facebook or Twitter.

*Image courtesy of deeplifequotes.