Do it Scared: Why Imperfect Action Leads to Growth

When you're excited about a goal, it's easy to focus solely on achieving it, leaving little space to enjoy the process. But what if the real magic isn’t just in reaching the goal, but in the journey? What if growth and learning come from embracing every step, even when it feels intimidating or you don’t have a complete plan?

That’s why at MäksēLife, we like to say “do it scared”. There's rarely a "perfect" time to take a leap of faith toward a big goal or dream. Fear and uncertainty often accompany those first steps, but they don't have to stop you.

Our encouragement to you is one you’ll hear from us often: Do it scared. Taking the first steps, even without knowing the entire plan, is better than standing still. Trust that the path will reveal itself with each step you take. It may feel challenging at first, but as you continue, it will get easier and you'll grow stronger.

Are you ready to take those steps? Let's explore how you can shift from focusing solely on the end goal to appreciating the growth that happens along the way!

Pay Attention to the Present, Not the End Goal

AFFIRMATION: I am becoming the best version of myself through every step I take. My growth and experiences along the journey are just as valuable as achieving my goals.

Success isn't just about reaching your goals—it's about the experiences that shape you in the process. Sierra Friend, Certified Life Coach, and MäksēLife CEO says, "Building inner wealth is our definition of success. Who you become in the process of working toward your goals is as important, if not more, than crossing the finish lines of achievement."

The process matters because it's where change happens, even when the next steps are unclear. Take action, even when it scares you, because these moments nurture the most significant growth. Choosing to move forward, rather than staying stagnant, builds your confidence and encourages learning, replacing the need for perfection.

Our Guided Notebooks help you take these small, intentional steps by beginning and ending each day with purpose. The Daily Intentions Notebook helps you set your day's purpose and focus on what matters most. Meanwhile, the Evening Reflections + Gratitude Notebook strengthens emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and resilience for a more purposeful life.

Celebrate the Wins

AFFIRMATION: I deserve to recognize my wins and achievements, regardless of their size. By cheering for my progress along the way, I am building self-assurance and moving toward the life I desire.

Cheer for your progress, no matter how small or imperfect. Every step you take– even the scary ones– is worth celebrating. Small wins are big signs of progress, and they prove you’re moving forward, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

Track Your Wins: Use the notes pages in your MäksēLife Goal-Setting + Weekly Planner or a Notebook to create a personalized system for celebrating progress. Whether it's journaling, using stickers, or highlighting completed tasks, find a method that resonates with you. 

Reframe Failure

AFFIRMATION: I find learning opportunities in every setback I face. There is no failure, I either win or I grow.

The word "failure" often brings feelings of shame, but you can shift this mindset by changing how you talk to yourself. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, view them as opportunities for growth. Each challenge is a lesson that helps you move forward.

Change Your Mindset: Reflect on what you've learned when encountering a setback. Celebrate your courage in taking action and focus on what you’ve learned. Remind yourself, "I am learning," because that's the truth.

Trust the Process

AFFIRMATION: I will be kind to myself as I take the time to build strength and skill with goal setting. I will embrace the messy parts of my process and learn what I need to as I continue my journey.

Setting goals is like building muscle—growing stronger and more skilled takes time. Trusting the process is tough, especially when you're scared, but every step you take is progress (even the messy ones). Progress isn't linear, but focusing on growth through every step will help you trust the journey.

Reflect on Your Journey: Use the reflection questions in your MäksēLife Planner or from our FREE Printable Library to think about what you've learned from previous goals, whether you completed them or not. Trust that you're exactly where you need to be, even when the next steps aren't visible.

Be Flexible

AFFIRMATION: I will take imperfect action on my goals knowing that I can adjust my path at any time. I do not need to know the entire plan in order to get started, and will remain flexible in the execution of my goals.

There are many ways to reach a goal. When you're focused solely on the outcome, it's easy to become laser-focused on the result and overlook the journey itself. Flexibility is essential, especially when you don't have all the answers. Staying anchored to your goals while remaining flexible in your execution reduces stress and creates more freedom as you work toward them. Sometimes, the best outcomes come from moments when you need to pivot.

Practice Adaptability: Challenge yourself to take action, even when you only know the next few steps. Use our FREE MäksēLife Board Game Printable to help you break down your goals into manageable, actionable steps and stay open to new opportunities as you progress.

Take Your Growth and Learning Deeper:

Finding joy in the journey isn't just about reaching your goals; it's about taking bold steps, even when you're scared. You'll love our weekly coaching tips if you find these tips helpful. Today's blog was inspired by the insights and encouragement we share every Friday in our emails. Enter your email address below to receive a coaching tip of the week, a journal prompt, and an affirmation directly to your inbox.

Bonus: Journal Prompts

To support your journey toward embracing every step in your growth journey, take time to answer the following journaling prompts:

How will you track and monitor your daily, weekly, and monthly wins? Come up with a system that works with your planning style and schedule and make this part of your regular planning ritual.

What areas of your life does the fear of failure hold you back? How can you shift your mindset to embrace learning and growth vs. a specific outcome?

Think of a goal that you didn't complete or it didn't go the way you had planned. What did you learn about yourself from its outcome?

How comfortable are you in taking action towards things where you may not have a plan or know what the outcome will be? What would being "flexible" in your life and in your goal-setting process look like for you?

More Blog Posts You’ll Enjoy: 

SMALL STEPS, BIG IMPACT: HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE WITH TINY ACTIONS

THE IMPORTANCE OF REFLECTING ON YOUR GOALS