The Art of Grit

(5 Minutes)

A lot of good things don’t get made because of too much thinking. This thought lingers in my mind as I look toward 2025—a new chapter brimming with possibilities. And yet, I can’t help but reflect on the countless moments in my own life where overthinking kept me from taking the first step.

How often have we waited for the perfect plan, the perfect moment, or the perfect confidence to act—only to see opportunities pass us by? It’s a paralyzing cycle: thinking too much about what could go wrong, whether we’re “ready enough,” or if our efforts will be worth it. We forget that readiness often comes after we begin, not before.

The truth is, no matter how much we think, the future can’t be fully mapped out from the sidelines. Some things only reveal themselves in the doing.

Opportunities Come Post Action

There’s something transformative about simply starting. Whether it’s a creative endeavor, a career shift, or even a difficult conversation, taking that first step can unlock doors we didn’t even know existed. Action breeds momentum, and momentum brings opportunities that planning alone never could.

It’s tempting to wait until we feel fully equipped or until we’re certain of success. But the irony is that clarity doesn’t usually come before we act—it comes during and after. Every brushstroke teaches the artist something new. Every step teaches the walker where to tread next.

If we let ourselves be paralyzed by overthinking, we might miss the chance to create something meaningful. This isn’t about throwing caution to the wind—it’s about understanding that perfect conditions rarely exist, and progress begins when we move forward despite the imperfections.

This brings me to the life of Agnes Martin, a painter whose story beautifully illustrates the magic that happens when we let go of overthinking and focus on creating.

Agnes Martin: Finding Freedom in Doing

Agnes Martin is celebrated as one of the most influential abstract artists of the 20th century, known for her serene, minimalist paintings that hum with a quiet, meditative energy. But her journey was far from smooth.

For years, Martin struggled with self-doubt, perfectionism, and the weight of expectations. Her early life was marked by uncertainty, and she often felt torn between the need to create and the fear that her work wouldn’t measure up. Sound familiar?

What set Martin apart wasn’t that she banished these fears—it was that she chose to create anyway. She believed deeply in the power of intuition over intellect. She once said, “The best things in life happen to you when you’re not thinking about them.”

Martin’s creative process wasn’t about meticulously planning every detail. Instead, it was about surrendering to the moment and letting the act of creating guide her forward.

At one point in her life, Martin famously left the bustling New York art scene to live in solitude in the New Mexico desert. This wasn’t an escape—it was a conscious choice to immerse herself in the act of creating without the noise of external judgment. Her discipline was astounding: she would rise early, work methodically, and let her intuition dictate her next move.

Martin’s story reminds us that greatness doesn’t come from endless deliberation. It comes from showing up, beginning, and trusting the process. By stepping into the unknown, she carved out a legacy that continues to inspire artists and thinkers alike.

2025: The Year of Starting

As we step into 2025, perhaps we can carry Martin’s wisdom with us. What if, instead of overthinking every decision, we simply began? What if, instead of waiting for the perfect conditions, we trusted that the act of doing would create the conditions we need?

This year doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be meticulously planned. It just needs to start.

Think about something you’ve been holding back on. Maybe it’s a project you’ve been dreaming of, a conversation you’ve been avoiding, or a change you’ve been considering. What’s stopping you? Is it the belief that you’re not ready? That it’s not the right time?

Here’s a secret: the “perfect time” is an illusion. The only moment you truly have is now. Opportunities don’t come knocking when you’re sitting still—they appear when you’re already in motion. What would happen if you took one small step today?

Reflect and Share

As you look ahead to 2025, I invite you to reflect on the things you’ve been overthinking. What opportunities might be waiting for you on the other side of action?

For me, I’m committing to making this year one of doing. There’s something freeing about letting go of the pressure to have everything figured out and instead focusing on taking the next step, however small it might be.

What about you? What’s the thing you’ve been overthinking? What’s one step you can take to start?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share what you’re ready to start in 2025 and how you’re making this the year of the doer. Let’s cheer each other on as we move forward into the unknown—one step, one action, at a time.