Build a small version first.
Whatever it is.
The thing you want to do. That big thing you want to do.
There’s a small version of it, and you can build it right now.
You don’t have to be an expert to build a small version. Think of it as a model. A prototype. It’s just an experiment. Play around with it.
Tinker.
The small version of a novel is a short story.
The small version of a maker space is a workshop in your garage that you invite your friends to come use.
The small version of a workshop in your garage is a table in the corner with a few tools on it.
The small version of a nonfiction book is a blog post, an article, a research paper.
The small version of building a supportive community is having one person over for dinner.
The small version of owning a business is making one sale.
The small version of being an artist is making one piece of art.
The small version of making a living from your art is selling one piece of art.
The small version of being financially secure is paying a bill.
The small version of getting out of debt is reducing or eliminating one bill.
The small version of running a marathon is running one lap at the track.
The small version of changing the world is changing one thing about your own life.
Give up the fallacy of building up a lofty goal or vision and “waiting until you’re ready” to complete it.
Instead look at how you can do a small version of what you want to do.
Do it.
Do you love it? Does it bring you joy? Does it create value? Do you want to do more of it?
Scale up.