Finding Joy in New Beginnings: Why Starting That Project Matters More Than You Think

You know that feeling when there's something you've always wanted to try, but you keep pushing it to the back of your mind? That little whisper that says, "What if I gave that a go?" but then gets drowned out by all the practical reasons why you shouldn't?

I've been there. And honestly, I'm so glad I didn't listen to those doubts.

When Passion Meets Imperfection

Here's the thing about starting something new: you don't have to be good at it to begin. In fact, you won't be good at it when you start—and that's completely okay.

For me, it was writing children's picture books. English was never my strong point at school. I didn't get top marks in essays, and grammar rules often felt like a foreign language. But I loved the idea of creating stories with meaning and connection—stories that could touch someone's heart or make a child laugh.

So I started anyway. Not because I was qualified, but because it brought me joy.

The Magic of "Just Because"

We live in a world that constantly asks us to justify our choices. "Will it make money?" "Is it practical?" "What's the point?"

But what if the point is simply that it lights you up inside?

My writing journey began as a joy project—something I did purely because I wanted to, not because I needed to. And you know what? That freedom transformed the entire experience. Without the pressure of perfection or the weight of expectations, I could explore, experiment, and actually enjoy the process.

Your Project Doesn't Need Permission

Whether it's writing, painting, starting a small business, learning an instrument, or finally trying that cooking class you've been eyeing—your project doesn't need anyone's permission to exist.

It doesn't need to be perfect.

It doesn't need to make sense to anyone else.

It just needs to matter to you.

What I've Learned Along the Way

Starting something new has taught me more than I ever expected:

You'll surprise yourself. The skills you think you lack? You'll develop them. The confidence you think you don't have? It grows with every small step.

Joy is productive. Society tells us that productivity means ticking boxes and meeting deadlines. But there's a different kind of productivity that comes from doing something that fills your cup—it energizes everything else in your life.

Imperfection is beautiful. My first attempts at writing weren't brilliant, and that's okay. Each one taught me something. Each one brought me closer to finding my voice.

Connection matters. When you create something meaningful—even if it's just meaningful to you—it has a way of connecting with others. People resonate with authenticity, not perfection.

Taking That First Step

If you're sitting on an idea right now, wondering if you should take the leap, here's my gentle nudge: just start.

Not tomorrow. Not when you have more time, more skills, or more confidence.

Start messy. Start small. Start scared if you have to.

Begin with one tiny action. Write one sentence. Sketch one drawing. Make one phone call. Take one class.

The magic isn't in having it all figured out—the magic is in showing up for yourself and saying, "This matters to me, and I'm going to give it a go."

Your Joy Project Awaits

Whatever that thing is that keeps tugging at your heart, it's there for a reason. It's not too late, you're not too old, and you're definitely not unqualified to try.

Your version of my writing journey is out there, waiting for you to claim it. It might be a creative project, a career change, a fitness goal, or something entirely unexpected.

The only question is: are you ready to give yourself permission to begin?

Because the world needs more people doing things that bring them joy. It needs your unique perspective, your story, your creative spark—even if you think it's not good enough yet.

Trust me, it is.

So go on—start that thing. Find your joy. Create something meaningful.

Your future self will thank you for taking the leap today.

What's your joy project? What's been holding you back from starting? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.