✨ the SPARK 217 ~ Your Messy Middle is Someone's Perfect Start

Why those wobbly first steps matter more than we think

Back when I was “The WordPress Chick” and was doing a lot of how-to WordPress tutorials, there was something magical about not having the knowledge and skills I have today.

In one of my first few videos (2009?), which I had made with Camtasia, someone on YouTube commented, “You need to learn how to use this software; you’re making me dizzy.”

Ouch!

But fair point 😉.

I would have killed for a tool like Tella back then (I prefer Tella to Loom).

Regardless of making people dizzy back then (hey, at least I was trying) - here’s the thing…

I did it.

Some of those "cringe-worthy" pieces were exactly what helped me build genuine connections in the first place.

The same could be said of my early blog posts and podcasts.

My first digital product was a $24.95 DVD about Google Analytics and Webmaster Tools for WordPress (it was a live webinar first, then I sent the DVD to people who registered).

If you're newer here, yes, I actually shipped physical DVDs (I still have a copy).

It wasn't perfect.

The audio could have been better. (At the time, I only had a Logitech headset with an attached mic.) and the slides were basic.

But you know what? It solved a specific problem for people who needed help right then.

Ignorance really is bliss, isn’t it?

Besides having better tools that make things much easier to get up and running (i.e., Substack for publishing vs. starting with a WordPress website), we now also have AI.

And as much as I love and use AI, it comes with another set of unique challenges.

For example:

• AI can help us create "perfect" content (well, “seemingly perfect”)

• Social media showcases highlight reels (happening pre-AI; it’s just that much easier now)

• Everyone seems to have a polished personal brand (keyword again being “seems”)

• Templates and frameworks promise instant success (also happening pre-AI)

So, instead of imposter syndrome or knowledge bias, we have people who genuinely don’t have the knowledge or skillset to back up what they promise they can do for you despite appearing to be able to solve your problems.

But people who are trying to make a quick buck have always existed…

This isn’t unique to AI.

But there’s a way to differentiate yourself - and have a lot more fun along the way.

Because the content that truly resonates isn’t perfect—it’s messy, honest.

The work we create while we're still figuring things out.

Take my recent "Visual Guide to Substack."

I didn’t wait until I had been publishing for a certain amount of time on Substack to create it.

I created it specifically because I was frustrated with the setup process and thought, "If I'm struggling with this, others probably are, too."

That's the beauty of sharing while learning or working through something.

You're closer to understanding the problem and what people doing the same thing are experiencing.

The Shift We Need

What if instead of asking, "Is this ready?" we asked:

• Could this help someone right now?

• Am I sharing what I genuinely know?

• Does this reflect where I am in my journey?

• Would I have wanted this when I was starting?

Here's the thing about progress - it doesn't wait for perfect conditions.

Think about learning to ride a bike.

No one masters it in their garage, studying the physics of balance and momentum. You learn by wobbling down the sidewalk, maybe with a few scrapes along the way.

This is how I came up with #EverythingIsContent - the art of creating and sharing from exactly where you are right now.

I’m doing this with my “Women, Wisdom, & Wealth” newsletter (and upcoming podcast). I’ve just started my Master’s in Financial Planning & Financial Psychology this week and will publicly share what I’m learning while in it).
(Side note: I’m much more interested in the Financial Psychology side of this program, but I know the Financial Planning foundation will be invaluable. Financial Psychology as a field is pretty new, so there aren’t many options.)

The vulnerability of sharing from exactly where I’m at will make it relatable and, for lack of a better explanation, a safe place for women to share their journey.

The magic happens when you treat your journey like a living document.

Maybe you learned a new keyboard shortcut that saved you an hour of work today - share that! Perhaps you discovered a way to restructure your morning routine that doubled your creative output - someone else might need exactly that insight.

Even the questions you're wrestling with are valuable content because they show others they're not alone in their uncertainties.

So consider this your permission slip to share the messy middle, to let your learning be visible, and to trust that your "right now" knowledge is precisely what someone else needs.

Because here's the truth: your imperfect progress might inspire someone else to begin.

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SPARK Spotlight 🔥

Notion Faces!

A free tool from Notion to create your own custom Notion Face. I’d say this is a decent version of me (if I were to look like a line drawing, haha).

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A Little Brainpower 🧠

A tutorial on mass-producing YouTube Shorts with ChatGPT and Canva.

I love the idea that enough = freedom. A great post from

Lee Drozak

“Why Chasing Six FIgures Isn’t The Solution (And What Is).”

Worth the read. “A $30M plan to take back social media from billionaires.”

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Tool Time 🛠

• Automations: This looks promising. Automate any workflow with AI—no coding required. Try Gumloop free here.

• Zapier: Create automations with Zapier using only your voice. Try VoiceZap here.

• Video: An AI-powered tool that transforms text into high-quality, emotionally resonant video ads. Try Arcads free here.

• Research: In-depth, persistent, and tailored research on markets, policy, and politics. Use Aidy free here.

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How all of January has felt so far 😂

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I’ve been dog-sitting at my sister’s this week, which is always fun because her dog, Toby, is a funny little guy. I brought my dog Lily down with me too - and she has a love/tolerate relationship with Toby.

One minute, they’re playing, and the next minute, she’s giving him the hairy eyeball when he wants to get up close to me.

Either way, it’s been fun.

Here’s to finding joy in the little things.

Have a wonderful day,
Kim

p.s. The California wildfires seem to be on the way to containment, but if you or someone you know needs help, there are quite a few resources here.

I’m in Northern California, but my daughter is in Southern CA and, fortunately, didn’t have to evacuate. As a native Californian, my heart goes out to everyone suffering from this tragedy. The outpouring of love and support from neighboring States, Canada, Mexico, and South Africa… just wow. 💕🥹