Think You’re Starting from Scratch? Not really.
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
Winston Churchill
Photo by Smithers of Stamford
A few weeks ago, I had a conversation about failures and new beginnings. Many people agreed that the most admirable individuals are those who can start from scratch and achieve success after facing challenges.
So, they were surprised when I said that I don’t think we ever truly start from scratch – even if it feels that way.
In my opinion, in almost every new situation, there will always be something familiar, where we can apply at least part of our previous experience or knowledge.
When I opened my travel agency, I had no prior experience as a company director. I had never managed a company, written a business plan, or interviewed employees before.
I also didn’t bring over any partners or clients from my previous employer because I felt that would be unfair and unprofessional.
So, you could say I was starting from scratch.
BUT
I already knew how to build quality partnerships, and I used this experience in my new company.
I knew how I envisioned our services, how we could retain customers, and I brought a lot of my own ideas.
I knew what my strengths are and how I could achieve results through them.
And I had my curiosity, which helped me ask the right questions—the ones that needed to be asked in order to build what I wanted to build.
I was able to use a lot of the experience and knowledge I had collected earlier and integrated these into the new situation.
So, when you look at it carefully, you’re not really starting from scratch. (At least, I can’t think of any situation right now where this would be true.)
You might be building a new business.
You might have a new role in a completely different field.
You might be the newly appointed team leader of a team you’ve worked with for years.
You might be dreaming about a new career but afraid to take the leap.
But you’re not starting from zero.
You’re actually taking with you:
- Years of experience.
- Loads of knowledge.
- Numerous skills and strengths that have already helped you achieve results.
- Many ideas.
- Your creativity, passion, responsibility and attention.
- Your resilience and problem-solving skills.
- The lessons learned from past successes – and failures.
- Your unique way of thinking and approaching challenges.
- The relationships and networks you’ve built along the way (unless like me, you choose not to).
And probably a thousand other things.
That’s why it’s so important to recognize everything you’re bringing with you—all the things you can build on in a new environment or situation.
So, you see, you’re not starting from scratch.
And sometimes, the biggest challenge is seeing that for yourself.
As Bill Gates put it, “Everyone needs a coach. One thing people are never good at is seeing themselves as others see them.”
Because a coach is someone who can reflect back to you what others see—your strengths, your potential, and the value you bring.
So, before you convince yourself that you’re at square one, take a moment to reflect:
- What past experiences can you integrate into your present?
- What skills and strengths do you already have that can help you move forward?
- What do you already know that you’re not giving yourself enough credit for?
If you’re struggling to answer these questions, let’s talk. I’d love to help you see all that you already have—because whatever you’re building now, you’re not starting from scratch.
