Starting Anything is Awkward
And That’s a Good Thing
Let’s be honest - starting something new - whether it’s launching a project, stepping into a new leadership role, joining a workshop, or even speaking up in a meeting - often feels awkward. Your voice wobbles. Your confidence shakes. Your inner critic says, “This feels weird. You’re not ready.”
But here’s the truth no one tells you loud enough: awkwardness is a sign of growth. And if you learn to embrace it, you’ll access the kind of clarity, confidence, and momentum most people never reach.
The Awkward Beginning: A Natural Part of Mastery
In the Leadology framework, we teach that self-mastery begins where comfort ends. That first awkward step is not a failure - it’s feedback. It’s your nervous system learning, your identity expanding, your courage showing up before your competence does.
Think about your first:
Setting boundaries
Team presentation
Tough feedback conversation
Gym workout
Deep meditation
It probably felt clunky or vulnerable. That’s the nature of beginnings. Even science backs this - neuroscience shows that our brains fire new neural pathways during these “cringe” moments. Awkwardness is a neurological signal that you’re rewiring habits, identity, and patterns.
Ancient Wisdom on Awkwardness
In the Ashtavakra Gita, there’s a powerful reminder: “The fool who knows he is a fool is wise. The fool who thinks he is wise is a fool indeed.”
This isn’t just humility - it’s freedom. When you admit you’re new, not polished, or even a bit shaky, you become open to true learning.
“Discomfort is a sign of transformation. Don’t run from it.”
Whether it’s starting a meditation practice or running your first workshop, the awkwardness you feel is not a warning - it’s an invitation.
How to Ace the Awkwardness
Here are five practical tools you can apply starting today:
1. Name It, Don’t Shame It
Awkwardness becomes heavier when you try to hide it. Instead, name it out loud: “This feels new for me.” Owning your discomfort builds authenticity and connection - two of Leadology’s core values.
2. Anchor into Purpose
Ask: Why am I doing this? When your intention is strong (to grow, to lead with integrity), the temporary awkwardness becomes easier to carry.
3. Breathe Through It
Use a simple breathwork tool like Box Breathing (4-4-4-4) to calm your nervous system. This centres you and keeps the fight-or-flight response in check.
4. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Track your courage, not just your results. Did you show up? Did you try something new? That’s the real metric of mastery.
5. Celebrate the ‘Cringe’
Laugh at the stumbles. Share them with others. Awkwardness becomes lighter when you bring humour and humility into the journey.
From Hesitation to Flow
One of our Leadology clients, a senior engineer turned team leader, once said: “The first time I facilitated a workshop, I kept forgetting what I planned to say. I was sweating, awkward, and almost bailed.”
Two months later, that same client was confidently leading sessions and mentoring others.
What changed?
Not the absence of awkwardness but his relationship with it. He used the discomfort as fuel to practise, reflect, and grow.
Self-Reflection Questions
Where in your life are you avoiding something because it feels awkward?
What would shift if you saw that awkwardness as a sign of transformation rather than failure?
Try This Today
Activity 1:
Record yourself speaking for 60 seconds on a topic you care about. Watch it back. Reflect, not to judge but to notice and normalise discomfort.
Activity 2:
Do one awkward thing this week (e.g., start a post, speak up, try something new) and journal how it felt before, during, and after.
Awkwardness is the Price of Clarity
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a new graduate, every next level of your life will demand a deeper version of you. And that version begins awkwardly.
But with mindfulness, breath, and self-awareness, you can transform awkward into authentic, clumsy into confident, and hesitation into impact.
So go ahead - start the thing. Be awkward. Be brave. That’s how mastery begins.
Want to get better at handling life’s awkward beginnings? Book a complimentary discovery call to explore 1:1 coaching.