Introduction: 100 Posts Later—A Personal Milestone

For years, I understood the power of getting started in theory, but I didn’t realize how close opportunity truly was—quietly waiting for my first step. Like so many, I wanted to connect more deeply with people around me—especially in my own community. But between the push and pull of work, family, and everything in between, it always felt just out of reach. Honestly, there were nights I’d scroll past inspiring posts, telling myself, “I’ll do it when things settle down.”

Let me pause here because this isn’t just another pep talk. In physics, there’s something called “activation energy”—that initial spark required to set a reaction in motion. It’s no different with behavior. The toughest part is always overcoming that first bit of resistance. But once you muster up the nerve to start, momentum can take you farther than you imagined.

Most people gloss over this part: it’s not just about grit or willpower—it’s about our executive functions. Those behind-the-scenes mental skills that help us plan, organize, manage our time, and actually move toward our goals (definition of executive functions).

Procrastination is nearly universal—rooted in fear of failure and the lure of short-term comfort over long-term gain. Insight on procrastination suggests that for many of us, it isn’t laziness but anxiety about not measuring up that keeps us stuck.

One small trick that’s helped: David Allen’s ‘2-Minute Rule.’ If something takes less than two minutes to start, do it now. It sounds simple, but it pulls you out of overthinking and into action before your doubts can talk you out of it.

But here’s where things actually changed: when I let action replace endless analysis. That first post didn’t silence my worries overnight, but it disrupted the cycle of hesitation. Every time I showed up—even with messy words—I chipped away at the invisible wall holding me back. Momentum built slowly; starting created its own energy.

I’m not alone in this struggle. A study by Dr. John Norcross and his colleagues found that while about half of people consider making significant changes in their lives, only a fraction actually take the steps. The gap between intention and action is wide—but it’s crossable.

The Hidden Power of Getting Started

Here’s the truth: getting started is deceptively tough. We’re not just talking about clicking ‘Post’ or saying hello at an event—it’s fighting through self-doubt, perfectionism, and that gnawing fear of looking foolish or failing in front of others. I’ve been there, too. The inertia can be paralyzing. You wait for the “right time”—when you feel smarter, or your ideas are perfectly polished. But if I’m honest? That perfect moment never really comes.

For me, the loudest hurdle was my own inner critic—the voice insisting every draft needed to be flawless. Not just good enough for others, but good enough for me. And that bar kept moving.

I’m not alone in this struggle. A study by Dr. John Norcross and his colleagues found that while about half of people consider making significant changes in their lives, only a fraction actually take the steps. The gap between intention and action is wide—but it’s crossable.

And then there’s this—AI became an unexpected sidekick. I’ve always had ideas rattling around, but perfectionism used to trap me in endless edits. Would this draft be good enough? For readers? For myself? That’s still a battle some days. But AI tools nudged me forward when doubt crept in—helping me move past obsessing and start sharing sooner by using AI for content creation while keeping your authentic voice.

Many prolific creators—James Clear comes to mind—credit their growth not to flashes of inspiration but to publishing on a schedule, even on days when the work feels flat or forced. Consistency becomes a habit; it cuts through decision fatigue and silences the “should I or shouldn’t I?” debate.

Let’s be real: consistency isn’t glamorous work—it’s quiet persistence rather than viral breakthroughs. But over 100 posts, one thing is crystal clear: improvement follows action. Every attempt is practice; each new draft is progress.

From Zero to Consistency: Lessons in Growth

Posting consistently on LinkedIn has been a humbling lesson in perseverance. Early on, there’s a buzz—the thrill of sharing ideas and putting yourself out there. But soon enough, reality sets in: some posts land with a whisper; others get a flicker of attention before disappearing.

I’d be lying if I said it didn’t sting at first. Low engagement felt like failure—a sign I was missing something everyone else already knew. There were days I wondered if my stories or insights even mattered.

But here’s what surprised me: with every post, something subtle shifted—not so much in the stats, but inside me. Showing up became less about performance and more about self-trust. Growth wasn’t quick or dramatic; it was slow and steady, but undeniably upward.

LinkedIn really does reveal two kinds of people: those chasing engagement for its own sake (attention stealers), and those who genuinely want to help others grow (value creators). I’m grateful for being surrounded by the second group—people who share wins and struggles; who offer support without expecting anything back.

Kevin Kelly’s ‘1000 True Fans’ theory rings especially true here: you don’t need tens of thousands following you to create impact or find opportunities. A small circle who truly pays attention—who reads, responds, remembers—can change everything.


If audience size haunts you (it haunted me), remember Dunbar’s Number: humans can only maintain meaningful relationships with about 150 people at once anyway.

Focusing on depth with a core group often leads to richer collaboration and support than trying to appeal to everyone.

It’s not about how many follow—it’s about who is paying attention and what grows from those connections.

If you want to shape your own journey on LinkedIn intentionally—without worrying about perfection or chasing trends—you might find value in creating with intention on LinkedIn as well.

Action Over Perfection: Why Most People Never Start

If there’s one lesson from my journey—and from watching others—it’s this: perfectionism holds too many of us hostage at the starting line. We wait for ideas to feel fully formed or our skills sharp enough to pass even our own harshest critique.

Getting started is a lot like learning to ride a bike: your first tries are wobbly and uncertain; there will be awkward moments and missteps. But only by pushing off—even if you fall—do you build balance and confidence for what comes next.

Most people quit before giving themselves a fair shot at improvement. It’s easy to underestimate what compounding effort can do over time.

If you’re stuck at square one—and I’ve been there—the lesson is simple: action beats analysis every single time. Taking even a tiny first step helps you climb over the wall of inertia. Each imperfect post is rehearsal for what comes next; every small win becomes part of your foundation.

If fear is keeping you from sharing your story or ideas publicly, overcoming the fear of sharing can make posting less intimidating—sometimes all it takes is a shift in mindset to get started.

Turning Inspiration into Action

So what does all this mean for you?

Start before you’re ready. You won’t reach 100k followers without your first post; you won’t build real relationships without your first conversation; you won’t find your voice until you use it—even if it trembles at first.

Progress doesn’t require polish; it requires persistence. Most people never discover what they’re capable of because they never begin.

Here’s something that might surprise you: research in behavioral psychology shows that public commitment—even small acts like sharing a goal online—increases follow-through significantly. Declaring your intentions helps transform inspiration into actual change.

This 100-post milestone lands amid other big shifts in my life—a fitting reminder that every transformation starts with one small act of courage. Wherever you are right now on your own path, remember: the power of getting started is right within reach.

Take your shot—you’ll be surprised where it leads.

Every journey starts in uncertainty; starting turns hopes into reality. As you look back on your own first steps—no matter how small—remember that momentum builds with every bold choice to move forward. Your next opportunity could be just one action away.