Why Having It All Figured Out Is Just B.S.

When we write, we are sharing our ideas with the world.

But it’s easy to give off the impression that we have all the answers. The truth is nobody really has it all figured out, some of us may be further along in the journey, but nobody has “made it”.

You know why?

Because there will always be someone ahead of you and someone behind you.

And that’s perfectly fine, because no matter where you are on your journey, sharing your thoughts, the humility of learning in public, and the process you’re working througb will build community and growth.

That’s what we as humans have always done and strived for. A community that uplifts everyone at their own pace.

The Illusion of Perfection

When we read content that is polished and concise, it’s tempting to imagine that the writer is an authority who has reached a final destination in their journey.

But trust me. Behind every finished article, book, or blog post is a person who has self-doubt, or revises their thoughts, or struggles to even write sometimes.

Writers are readers and learners first. Writing is about exploration, finding new concepts and evolving. It’s the journey through ideas that help a writer learn as much as their audience.

If you’re writing and not reading, are you really learning?

Fueling your writing with reading will help you write better, learn more and evolve quicker.

The Power of Vulnerability

It’s scary to share our ideas, especially when we are still in the process of shaping them. It’s because the feeling of vulnerability creates fear, we don’t want to be judged, so we want be sure everything is “perfect”.

The power in vulnerability comes when we do not have all the answers and are open to feedback or new perspectives. Sure it can suck, but it also allows for deeper connection, conversation, learning and growth. By presenting our thoughts as works in progress, we give others permission to think openly and critically, to question and contribute.

This makes writing more than something you do on your own, it makes writing more about collaborating and sharing.

After all, aren’t you writing for someone? Aren’t you writing for the reader?

There is another reason you may be avoiding vulnerability, and it’s hiding deep inside you.

Your Ego Is The Enemy

Stoicism sees the ego as a barrier, not a benefit. The philosophy believes that you need to shed the ego to gain wisdom. So apply this to your writing: less ego, more insight, better connection.

• Share struggles, not just successes. Learning from every stumble or stubbed toe.
• Feedback is growth, not judgment. Stay open and adaptable. All the positives and negatives help you towards improvement.
• Clarity and honesty win over complexity. Stoicism promotes straightforward communication for deep truth.

Bottom line, nobody has it all figured out, and the sooner we figure this out in anything we do the more we enjoy our journeys. Writing and sharing should not be about showcasing perfection but about exploring, questioning, and connecting.

So, let’s write, share, and grow, not for the recognition, authority or the money. But for the curiosity and ideas that all writers share and to build a more connected community of thinkers, readers and writers.

If you’re interested by the idea of exploring ideas openly and authentically, join our journey at the Stoic Brand Blueprint newsletter, where we embrace the wisdom of not having it all figured out, together.