There is no better education than experience

I think about Reshma Saujani's TED Talk "Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection" in which she talks about how girls are less willing to take risks and strive to be perfect and boys are taught to be brave. I've witnessed this carry over into adulthood with female entrepreneurs and women who want to start their own businesses.

While starting a business does require a little bravery, it mostly requires a plan or a roadmap to achieving the desired goals. Time and time again, I see self-doubt creep in and imposter syndrome sets in. Suddenly, the aspiring business owner is questioning her experience, credentials, and education and a manic push for more qualifications takes hold. Even when a new goal is achieved such as finishing an MBA or a new certification, the self-doubt sticks around.

Creating some businesses requires certain credentials but a lot of them require experience. The only way to get experience is to be brave and get moving. Dig in, follow the plan, and gain education along the way. There is no better education than experience.

No one starts at the top and anyone who has succeeded will tell you there have been (a lot of) failures along the way. We need to take the stigma away from failing and value it for the learning experience it is. By doing we may fail, but by failing we may learn.