Where Do I Begin?

Starting your career can feel like standing at the base of a massive mountain, staring up at its intimidating peaks. You’re excited, of course, but also overwhelmed. Questions flood your mind: Am I good enough? Where should I start? What if I fail?

You’re not alone. Everyone, from the most successful CEOs to award-winning artists, has stood exactly where you are. The truth is, beginnings are messy. They’re full of uncertainty, missteps, and a lot of self-doubt. But they’re also where magic happens.

So, how do you take those first steps with confidence? How do you quiet the noise of comparison, find your footing, and start building a career you’re proud of? Let’s break it all down step by step.

The Art of Starting Where You Are

First things first: You don’t need to have it all figured out - let that sink in!

There’s a misconception that you need a perfect plan before you start. The reality? Most people figure things out as they go. Oprah Winfrey didn’t have a roadmap when she began as a local news anchor. Neither did J.K. Rowling, who started writing Harry Potter while struggling as a single mum on benefits. Their stories didn’t start with clarity, they started with courage.

The key is to start where you are, with what you have, even if it feels small or insignificant. Every great career begins with one uncertain step.

Build Confidence, One Brick at a Time

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with it’s something you build, like a muscle. And just like muscles, it grows with practice and repetition. Here’s how to start:

1. Celebrate Small Wins

Did you apply for a job? Celebrate. Did you ask a question during a meeting? Give yourself a pat on the back. Confidence grows when you acknowledge your efforts, no matter how small they seem.

Ed Sheeran famously said, “You need to suck for a while before you get good.” Early in his career, he played tiny gigs to half-empty pubs, but he kept showing up. Every small win built his confidence, and today, he sells out stadiums.

2. Learn to Fail Gracefully

Failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of it. Every rejection, every mistake, every awkward moment is a stepping stone. Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as a teacher.

Take Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, for example. She credits her success to her father, who encouraged her to talk about her failures at the dinner table. Each failure became a lesson, not a source of shame.

3. Fake It Until You Believe It

You don’t need to feel confident to act confident. Stand tall, speak clearly, and take up space. Over time, your actions will convince your brain that you belong.

Find Mentors Who Light the Way

No one succeeds alone. Finding mentors people who guide, support, and inspire you can make all the difference. But how do you find the right mentors?

1. Look Around You

Your first mentors don’t have to be CEOs or industry icons. They can be a supportive manager, a colleague, or even a peer who’s a few steps ahead.

Emma Watson, for instance, has often credited her mentors, like Kenneth Branagh, who directed her in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets for shaping her career and confidence.

2. Ask for Help (Without Fear)

Reaching out to a potential mentor can feel intimidating, but remember: People love to share their knowledge. A simple message like, “I admire your work and would love to learn from your experience. Could we have a quick chat?” can open doors.

3. Be a Sponge

Mentorship isn’t always formal. Sometimes, it’s about observing and learning. Watch how leaders in your field handle challenges, communicate, or make decisions. Take notes and adapt what resonates with you.

Fight the Comparison Trap

One of the biggest culprits of early-career overwhelm is comparison. It’s easy to look at someone else’s success and feel like you’re falling behind. But here’s the thing: You’re on your own unique path.

Social media can make it seem like everyone else is thriving while you’re struggling. But remember, you’re seeing their highlights, not their struggles. Even Beyoncé had to start somewhere.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to where you were yesterday. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.

Practical Tips for Starting Strong

To help you navigate the early stages of your career with less overwhelm and more confidence, here are some actionable tips:

1. Set Small, Achievable Goals
   Break down big ambitions into smaller, manageable steps. Want to land your dream job? Start by updating your CV or reaching out to someone in your desired field.

2. Create a Learning Plan
   Invest in your growth. Read books, listen to podcasts, take online courses, whatever helps you build the skills you need. Growth is your secret weapon.

3. Network Authentically
   Networking doesn’t have to feel forced. Attend events, join online communities, or simply connect with people whose work you admire. Be genuine and curious.

4. Take Care of Yourself
   Burnout is real, especially when you’re trying to prove yourself. Prioritise your mental and physical health. Remember, rest is productive.

5. Trust the Process
   Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Trust that every step, no matter how small, is leading you somewhere meaningful.

You’re Exactly Where You Need to Be

Starting your career is daunting, no doubt about it. But here’s the truth: You’re not behind. You’re not lost. You’re exactly where you need to be.

Take it one step at a time, celebrate your progress, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember, even the most successful people started with uncertainty. What set them apart was their willingness to start messy, imperfect, but determined.

So, where do you begin? Right here. Right now. With everything you have.