Today I’m taking you back to where it all began – my very first dabble into podcasting.

Oh boy…

I was not a content creator, I’ve never filmed anything before, and as obnoxiously loud as I may be in person, I am actually an introvert (more on this later, maybe).

Anyways…

So there I was… stepping into uncharted territory with no clear roadmap, armed with nothing but an idea I was dying to execute and a belief that these conversations could make a difference.

Enter Rob Rowsell, my first guest, and unwittingly, my guide through this new adventure.

There I was, fumbling, rambling and sweating so much… and there was Rob, patient and gracious, navigating my growing pains with the ease of a seasoned pro.

It was a bumpy start, but as they say, the first step is always the hardest.

Rob said something during our conversation that stuck with me to this day:

“I want to be embarrassed of the person I am today, a year from now.”

That sh*t hit me like a ton of bricks.

It wasn’t just about self-improvement; it was about relentless growth and about becoming a version of yourself that makes your past self look like a mere shadow.

And trust me, I’ve had my fair share of embarrassment over the years – the kind that make for great stories now but were mortifying then.

But this, this journey into podcasting, it’s a different breed of embarrassment. It’s not the blush-and-shrug-off kind; it’s the kind that stretches you, and molds you.

Now, as I reflect, not even a year later, I see the wisdom in his words.

With each episode, each conversation, I’ve evolved – not just as a podcaster but as a person.

I’ve learned, stumbled, and grown.

And yes, when I dare to revisit those first recordings, it’s not just a cringe – it’s a full lesson in self-awareness.

It’s like watching a bloopers reel of my early days.

But you know what? Each cringe is a badge of honor, a testament to the journey I’ve taken, the miles I’ve traveled from that unsure, tentative start.

Let’s get real for a moment. Those first 10 episodes? They nearly got buried in the depths of my computer, victims of my own brutal self-criticism.

I was my own worst enemy, trapped in a maze of ego-driven perfectionism. But here’s the kicker – those flawed, imperfect episodes? They were my stepping stones.

Through them, I learned to embrace my imperfections, to extend a hand of kindness to myself. I had to give myself the permission to be gloriously, wonderfully inadequate, to stumble, to ‘suck,’ as they say.

And then, in a moment of raw, unfiltered honesty, I decided to ‘get over myself.’

I had to remember, it’s not about me.

It was time to cast aside the mountains of self-doubt and step into the light of self-acceptance.

Because the truth is, growth isn’t found in the flawless execution; it’s hidden in the mess, the struggle, the relentless pursuit of something better.

So, here I am, still learning, still growing, and still embracing every beautifully imperfect step.

This journey of podcasting has been more than learning how to speak into a microphone (or realize there are a ton of lights and cameras pointing at me); it’s been about embracing the discomfort of growth, about shedding layers of who I was to uncover who I can be.

Rob’s advice? It was like a sneak peek into my future – in the most unexpectedly enlightening way. It venturing beyond the cozy nest of familiarity and believe me, I was as comfortable as a giraffe on ice skates.

Fast forward to almost 30 episodes later…

Am I now the epitome of cool, calm, and collected? Not even close.

I’m still navigating the ‘did I really just say that?’ waters and guess what? I’m riding that awkward wave with all the grace of a penguin on a surfboard – and loving every minute of it!

So, here’s a toast to that glorious journey of ‘sweating like I’m auditioning for a deodorant commercial’ awkward-as-hell first tries and definitely to the ‘what in the world was I thinking?’ moments.

It’s been quite the sweaty, nerve-wracking, ‘jumping off the cliff and building a plane on the way down’ kind of journey, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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So my fellow imperfection action takers…a few moments of reflection:

1. Think back to where you were a year ago – how have you evolved since then? What are the ’embarrassing’ parts of your past self that show how far you’ve come?
2. When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone and how did it transform you? Do you actively seek out such growth opportunities?
3. Imagine yourself a year from now – what changes and improvements do you hope to see? What actions can you take today to become that person?
4. How do you perceive your past ‘failures’? Are they embarrassments or stepping stones for growth?
5. Who are the people that have influenced your growth the most in the past year? How do you curate your circle to ensure it promotes your personal development?

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As we journey into the future, embracing our own paths of growth, remember the words of C.S. Lewis:

‘You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.’ What new goals or dreams are you setting for yourself as you stretch beyond your current limits?

I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own journey.

I’ve shared my journey and the profound lessons that sparked my growth. Now, I’d love to hear about yours.

Feel free to share your reflections and realizations in the comments and join me to discuss how we can embrace our ’embarrassing’ past selves to foster continuous growth!