Stop Waiting for the Perfect Moment
Start Sharing Your Story Now
Have you ever felt like you’re not ready to share your story? Like you need to be more polished, more successful, or have everything perfectly figured out before you can start helping others? I’ve been there too—and honestly, I still feel that way sometimes. I’m not sure if that feeling ever fully goes away. But what if I told you that waiting for the “perfect time” is the very thing holding you back?
The Chasm Between Where You Are and Where You Want to Be
A few weeks ago, my boss at the International Impact Book Awards asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks: What is the chasm between where you are now and feeling comfortable sharing your story? He wasn’t asking about credentials, more experience, or more time—he was asking about me. About my own hesitation, my own doubts, and my own self-imposed limitations.
And he was right. I was waiting—just like so many of us do. We think we need to hit some milestone before our experiences are “worth” sharing. But the truth is, the very struggles we hesitate to talk about are often the exact stories that resonate the most. The best content, the most impactful stories, and the most valuable lessons come straight from the journey itself, not just the destination.
The Science of Influence and Relatability
Social psychology tells us that people are drawn to authenticity, not perfection. Research on influence—especially by Dr. Robert Cialdini—shows that relatability builds trust. In fact, studies on the Pratfall Effect (where people find someone more likable when they show small imperfections) prove that we don’t connect with polished, flawless individuals—we connect with real ones.
Think about the people you admire online. Are they perfect? No. They’re human. They make mistakes. They share their struggles. And because of that, they inspire you.
Yet, we all get stuck in our own heads, convinced we need to appear more polished before we can be taken seriously. But polish is overrated. Authenticity is what resonates.
Document, Don’t Just Create
Gary Vee always says, “Document, don’t create.” Instead of worrying about creating the “perfect” content, just share what you’re doing, learning, and experiencing right now. If you’re in a transitional period—changing careers, learning a new skill, or overcoming a personal challenge—talk about it. That’s the content people crave because they see themselves in you.
How to Start Sharing Your Story Today
If you don’t know where to begin, start here. Ask yourself these prompts and share your answers:
What’s one struggle you’ve overcome that your past self would have benefited from hearing about?
What lesson have you learned this week that changed your perspective?
What’s something you used to believe that you now realize isn’t true?
What’s one thing you’re working on improving right now?
What’s a story from your past that shaped who you are today?
You don’t need a huge platform to make an impact—you just need to start, and your journey itself is your most powerful content.
Three Practical Takeaways for Building a Brand Through Authenticity:
Start small and stay consistent – You don’t have to spill your entire life story all at once. Share small moments, insights, and experiences consistently. Even a short post or video about something real can build trust and credibility over time.
Embrace imperfection – People connect with authenticity, not polish. If you make mistakes, own them. If you’re still figuring things out, say that. Being open about your journey makes you more relatable and trustworthy.
Engage with your audience – Don’t just post and disappear. Ask questions, respond to comments, and invite conversations. The more you engage; the more people will feel connected to you and your message.
Take the Leap
Your story isn’t just yours—it’s someone else’s survival guide. Someone out there is a few steps behind you, waiting to hear exactly what you have to say. The only thing stopping you from reaching them? You are waiting for the perfect moment.
So, let’s drop the perfectionism. Start sharing. Start showing up. And if you’re stuck, reply to this email—I’d love to hear what’s been holding you back.
Let’s evolve together.
—Todd