Just Enough Knowledge to Be Dangerous
Readtime: 4 minutes
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Now, on to today’s newsletter:
If you’re thinking about going for a promotion…
…starting a side business…
…changing careers…
…or finally beginning that thing you’ve had on your list for far too long…
You might be telling yourself:
“I just need to do a bit more first.”
But in most cases?
You already know enough to begin.
In today’s edition, we’ll explore what’s really stopping you, why “just enough knowledge” is often more powerful than full expertise – and how to start moving forward with confidence, even if you don’t feel 100% ready.
The Real Reason You Haven’t Started Yet
We think we’re waiting on more knowledge.
But that’s not really it.
What we’re actually avoiding… is being seen.
Because once you make a move – apply, announce, launch, raise your hand – there’s no hiding anymore.
People see your work.
They see your idea.
They see you, before you feel perfect.
And that’s uncomfortable.
So instead, we hide behind preparation.
We keep tweaking, reading, researching – calling it “getting ready”.
But often, we’re not preparing.
We’re protecting ourselves from feeling exposed.
You’re Probably More Ready Than You Think
Here’s something I’ve learned from working with hundreds of professionals and leaders:
The people who feel most unsure are often the most ready.
Because they care deeply.
They hold themselves to a high standard.
They’re not pretending they’ve got it all figured out – and that self-awareness makes them sharper, faster learners.
In fact, the only thing they’re really missing is momentum.
And once they start? Everything changes.
Why Being Slightly Underqualified is a Strength
We assume being fully qualified is the safest place to start from.
But some of the biggest breakthroughs happen before you’re fully ready.
When you’re slightly underqualified:
✅ You listen more
✅ You ask better questions
✅ You stay curious and open
✅ You learn faster than those who assume they already know
That early discomfort keeps you sharp.
And the gap between where you are and where you want to be becomes your biggest driver of growth.
The Power of Moving Early
If you start before you feel ready, a few important things happen:
You stand out
Most people are waiting. Starting now puts you ahead by default.You get real feedback
Instead of wondering what would work, you find out quickly.You build confidence
Confidence doesn’t show up before action. It grows because of it.
In Summary
Here’s what I want you to take away from today:
You don’t need to be 100% ready. You just need to be moving.
You already know enough to take the first step.
The people who grow the fastest aren’t the ones with the most knowledge – they’re the ones with the most momentum.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign… this is it.
On a Personal Note
When I first left my role at KPMG a few years ago, I assumed I’d focus on executive coaching.
I didn’t plan to run masterclasses or workshops.
But one of the companies I was coaching at asked me if I could deliver a workshop for their wider team on imposter syndrome.
I said yes – and it went really well.
So I did another.
And then another.
And built out lots of impactful topics on high performance for professionals.
Before long, this side of my business became the biggest part of what I do.
Not because I had a perfect plan. But because I had just enough knowledge to begin – and I was willing to figure the rest out as I went.
Looking back, none of that would’ve happened if I’d waited to feel fully prepared.
So if you’re on the edge of something new, here’s what I know:
The clarity and confidence you’re waiting for?
They’re waiting for you to take the first step.
One Quote to Get You Going
“You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.”
That’s all for now.
See you in a couple of weeks,
Mostyn
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Curious about my corporate workshops on high performance for professionals and leaders?
Watch the 3-minute showreel here.