Making It Easier To Get Started By NOT Building In Public And Focusing On Version 0 Instead: Kitces & Carl Ep 148
Oct 3, 2024
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Explore the anxiety surrounding public idea sharing and how initial obscurity can be beneficial. Discover the concept of 'version zero', which empowers financial advisors to launch projects without the pressure of perfectionism. Learn how breaking larger goals into small, manageable actions can combat fear and foster deeper connections. The discussion highlights the importance of low-risk experiments for validating business ideas and emphasizes embracing challenges as a path to growth.
Shifting the mindset from fear of judgment to focusing on 'version zero' allows individuals to create without perfectionism's pressure.
Taking small steps towards goals through iterative improvement facilitates creativity and reduces the intimidation of public scrutiny.
Deep dives
The Benefit of Low Stakes
Many professionals hesitate to share their work due to fear of judgment, believing their initial attempts will be scrutinized. However, the reality is that most people are not paying close attention at first, which alleviates some pressure to perform perfectly. This perspective can be liberating as it allows individuals to focus on the act of creation rather than the potential for viral success. By recognizing that few people notice their early efforts, individuals can take calculated risks without the weight of excessive expectations.
Embracing Version Zero
The concept of 'version zero' encourages individuals to produce initial drafts or prototypes with minimal pressure and expectations. This approach allows for iterative improvement while acknowledging that most initial work won't be perfect. The hosts shared personal experiences highlighting how versions of their projects were released without significant alteration, often leading to unexpected success. By framing their work as merely 'version zero,' they removed the fear of failure and perceived judgement, facilitating creativity and productivity.
Fear of Public Exposure
A common challenge faced by creators is the fear of releasing work to a larger audience, stemming from the anxiety of being publicly embarrassed if it doesn't meet high standards. Many tend to believe that everyone will notice their failures, when in reality, most people are deeply engaged in their own lives. By shifting the mindset towards smaller, private experiments, individuals can avoid the fear of public failure and instead find joy in the creative process. This shift preserves the opportunity for feedback without the pressures of widespread scrutiny.
The Importance of Small Steps
Taking small steps, or 'version zeros', towards larger goals allows for manageable progress and helps to overcome the fear of significant commitments. These small actions can feel less intimidating and provide an opportunity for reflection and iteration. The conversation emphasized that many individuals find solace in this concept; by simply doing simpler tasks, they can gauge progress without the pressure of perfection. Pushing through these micro-actions can lead to meaningful advancements in both personal and professional relationships.
In our 148th episode of Kitces & Carl, Michael Kitces and client communication expert Carl Richards discuss the mindset shift that can help when you're scared to take the next step toward your goals.