221: How To Start Something New (Like An Online Fitness Business)
Jun 26, 2025
When I talk to people who want to build a personal brand, the question I hear most is: How do I gain clarity on what to do? The truth is, clarity doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from doing. I’ve launched products, grown businesses, and built a personal brand online, and the one consistent lesson across everything is this: you won’t know until you start.
If you’re looking to take on something new—whether it's launching a product, starting a podcast, or building out your personal brand—here’s how to move forward, even if things feel chaotic.
Just Start (It Won’t Be Perfect—That’s Okay)
Clarity doesn’t come from whiteboards, frameworks, or six-month planning cycles. It comes from showing up and shipping things—messy, unfinished, inconsistent things. When I began publishing content under my personal brand, I didn’t have a fully formed vision. But every time someone replied to my newsletter or asked a question, I learned more about who I was actually serving. That feedback loop helped shape what I’m building today.
So if you're hesitating, remember this: you don’t find clarity and then act. You act and then gain clarity. Write 100 words a day. Start a newsletter. Post something imperfect. Make it real.
Be Okay With It Being Messy
I’ve rebranded, changed direction, redesigned websites, and shifted messaging more times than I can count. Right now, I’m mid-launch for an email marketing course that’s taken months to bring to life—not because I couldn’t build it faster, but because I was still listening. Listening to feedback. Watching what resonated. Testing ideas.
Building a personal brand is iterative. You'll change. The people following you will change. Your message will evolve. Don’t wait for perfect. It doesn’t exist.
Genuinely Help People
The heart of a strong personal brand isn’t flashy visuals or viral content—it’s actual value. When people reach out via my newsletter or Instagram DMs, I focus on how I can help. Not to sell them something (though yes, eventually sales are part of business), but to understand their problems and provide real support.
Sometimes it’s pointing someone to a resource. Other times it’s creating new content just to answer a good question. If you're consistent in helping, that goodwill adds up. It becomes your brand.
You Won’t Think Your Way Into Clarity
If I wanted to learn how to juggle, I wouldn’t just read books about juggling for six months. I’d grab three balls and start. That’s how you build a personal brand too. Test. Try. Fail. Adjust. Win. Repeat. Every step forward teaches you more than a thousand hours of planning ever will.
So if you're stuck in thought loops or hesitating because things aren't perfect—stop. Get moving. Post something. Launch the imperfect product. You’ll figure it out faster that way.
Because at the end of the day, a personal brand isn't built on theory. It's built on effort, consistency, and a commitment to helping people.
To do any of this, you're going to have to try harder.
Time Stamps
[00:30] Introduction to gaining clarity and audience messaging
[02:30] Start messy: why taking imperfect action builds momentum
[06:30] Being okay with pivoting and evolving your personal brand
[10:30] Helping people first and building genuine connections
[13:30] Juggling metaphor and starting before you're ready
[17:30] Planning vs action and clarity through doing
[21:30] Final thoughts on personal brand building and helping people
