You Don’t Have to Be Great to Start – But You Do Have to Start...

Sep 29, 2025

By Kristina Karlsson, Dream Life & kikki.K Founder

Have you ever felt stuck - waiting for the “right” time to start something new?

Maybe it’s a business idea, a creative project, or a side hustle that’s been sitting on your heart for months… or even years. If that sounds familiar, this recent Monday Motivation episode is just for you.

One of my all-time favourite quotes - which I’ve repeated in countless episodes - is by Zig Ziglar:

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

Isn’t that such a powerful reminder?

We often feel like we need to have it all figured out before we begin. We wait until we feel more confident, until the timing is perfect, until we’re sure we won’t mess it up.

But here’s the truth: there’s no such thing as perfect timing. And clarity, confidence, and growth?

They only come after you take that first step.

In this episode and blog, I want to share the key insights that can help you finally begin that dream of yours - whether it's launching a business, starting a passion project, or simply taking that next step toward your dream life.

Why We Wait - and Why We Shouldn’t

So many of us stay stuck in planning mode. We want to feel ready, prepared, confident… but waiting often leads to nothing but frustration and self-doubt. The hard truth? You may never feel fully ready - and that’s okay.

Greatness comes from starting, learning, adjusting, and growing as you go.

The 3 Keys to Starting Today

Let me walk you through three simple yet powerful steps to help you move from dreaming to doing.

1. Start Before You’re Ready

That business idea or dream project that’s been sitting in your journal or on your mind? Don’t wait for the stars to align. Just start. One small step is all it takes to create momentum.

It could be as simple as:

Writing the idea down in detail
Sharing it with a trusted friend
Researching your first steps
Creating a vision board
Or setting a deadline for your first launch

Progress starts with action - even imperfect action.

2. Build Around Your Passions, Values & Purpose

The most successful and fulfilling businesses aren’t built on trends or quick wins - they’re built from the heart.

Ask yourself:

What lights me up?
What do I care deeply about?
What would I do even if I wasn’t paid?
What change do I want to create in the world?

When you align your business or project with your values and purpose, you not only create something that matters - you also create something sustainable.

3. Embrace Progress Over Perfection

Perfectionism is a dream-killer. It tells us we’re not good enough to start, that everything has to be polished before we can share it with the world.

But the truth is, every successful entrepreneur you admire started as a beginner. No one has it all figured out in the beginning. The magic happens in the doing.

Start messy. Start small. Just start.

A Resource to Help You: The $100 Startup

If this message resonates with you and you’re feeling called to take action, I’d love to invite you to join us in the Dream Business Book Club this October.

We’re diving into The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau - an inspiring and practical read about creating freedom, doing what you love, and building a business that supports your dream life.

The subtitle says it all: Fire your boss, do what you love, and work better to live more.

Together, we’ll read, reflect, and implement what we learn. I’ll also be sharing my personal lessons from building Dream Life and other businesses over the years.

You can join us here: https://www.yourdreamlifestartshere.com/businessbookclub

My Challenge for You This Week

Think of one small action you can take today toward your dream business or side hustle.

Write it down.

Tell someone.

Do it.

Because here’s the truth: you don’t have to be great to start - but you have to start to be great.

And I promise you, the moment you take that first step, things begin to shift. Confidence grows. Clarity comes. You gain momentum.

So, take that step. I’m cheering you on - and I can’t wait to see what you create.

With love,

💛