Folks often ask me what advice I'd give to someone considering to run for office and one thing I always emphasize is that there will never be a perfect time to run. You'll never feel ready enough or like you have enough time or like you know the issues well enough. It'd kinda like deciding if and when to have kids 😉. If you wait for the perfect time, it will never come.

This quote by Reshma Saujani is in her book Brave, Not Perfect: Fear Less, Fail More, and Live Bolder. It couldn't be more true. If you wait for the perfect time or to feel totally ready or to have the right credentials, you may never get there. I ran when I was 26, the same summer I got married, and while working at a local grocery store. Luckily I didn't talk myself out of it by wondering if it was the right time or if I was ready. Instead, I talked myself into it by knowing that I cared enough and my voice matters. I don't do it all the time though and that's why I like to remind myself to be brave, not perfect.

Here are five ways I help do that when I have something new I am embarking upon: 

Embrace Imperfection

• Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to starting something new. Waiting for everything to be perfect before taking action can lead to missed opportunities. Understand that imperfection is part of the process and that learning and growth come from trying, failing, and trying again.

Break It Down

• Large, daunting goals can paralyze us with fear. Break down your new endeavor into smaller, manageable tasks. By taking incremental steps, you can build confidence and momentum. Celebrate small victories along the way, as they will keep you motivated and courageous.

Seek Support

• Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and believe in you. Whether it's a mentor, a friend, or a community group, having a network of positive influences can provide the emotional and practical support needed to take on new challenges. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Visualize Success

• Visualization is a powerful tool for overcoming fear. Take time to imagine yourself succeeding in your new endeavor. Picture the steps you'll take, the obstacles you might face, and how you'll overcome them. This mental preparation can build confidence and reduce anxiety about the unknown.

Learn from Failure

• Failure is often seen as a negative outcome, but it is actually a crucial part of the learning process. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Analyze what went wrong, adapt your approach, and try again with newfound knowledge and experience. Remember, every successful person has faced and overcome failures along the way.

If you want some more encouragement to be bold instead of perfect, check out Reshma's TED Talk!

Communication is always something I like working on. Listening to truly listen and understand is a skill and we've all known when someone isn't actually listening to us. It's interesting to listen to this podcast and the tips that we can all use to become better communicators and connect to one another.