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Focus on the moment you can control, and the project moves forward with you.

Starting imperfectly is the first step toward meaningful growth and transformation.

Lisa Stapleton-Biala, DrPH, MS, GSP, Director of Environment Health and Safety on Influential Women
Lisa Stapleton-Biala, DrPH, MS, GSP
Director of Environment Health and Safety
University of Mary Washington
Focus on the moment you can control, and the project moves forward with you.

The Power of Now: Embracing Imperfect Beginnings

The power of now shows up in countless ways throughout our daily lives. Yet “now” is often misunderstood. It isn't a perfect moment we wait for; it's the moment we choose. It's the decision to begin, even when the path isn't clear, and to move forward one intentional step at a time. For many of us, recognizing when to start or when to stop can feel uncertain, especially when doubt or hesitation creeps in.

I don't consider myself a perfectionist, but I often find myself procrastinating. I pause too long on how to begin a project, which direction to take, or when to call it complete. I question whether the work is good enough, whether anyone will care, or whether the audience will find value in what I've created. These thoughts sit heavily on my mind, and they often slow my momentum more than the work itself.

Recently, I came across a simple visual progression of a vase being formed. It showed five stages, each one imperfect, each one evolving. What struck me wasn't the final vase, but the courage of the beginning: the willingness to start with an unrefined shape. Over time, those imperfections became part of its strength and character. The vase didn't become beautiful despite its flaws; it became beautiful through them.

That lesson applies to everyday life, to every project, and even to writing this article. This is my first piece, and it certainly won't be my last. I know it isn't perfect, but I started. With time, I'll grow, refine my voice, and strengthen my structure. I'm choosing not to chase perfection, only continuous improvement. The power of now is simply the power to begin, to evolve, and to trust that each imperfect step is shaping something meaningful.

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