In a recent LinkedIn post, Heather Monahan discusses an uncomfortable truth she observed about highly successful individuals: their growing reluctance to appear unskilled or inexperienced. Monahan shares her personal journey of intentionally stepping into a beginner’s role by taking up tennis, not as a casual hobby, but as a deliberate practice to reclaim the feeling of being new and learning.
The Paradox of Confidence and Vulnerability
Monahan highlights a common misconception about confidence, arguing that it is not born from a state of assured success, but rather forged in the crucible of fear and action. She states:
Confidence isn’t built when you’re winning. It’s created when you feel fear and take action anyway…
This perspective is crucial, as Monahan connects this feeling of vulnerability to the initial stages of any significant professional endeavor. She points out that many daunting tasks, from launching a business to speaking on a public stage, inherently involve the experience of being a beginner.
Revisiting the Beginner’s Stance
According to Heather Monahan, the path to achieving anything new is paved with the initial awkwardness and uncertainty of not knowing. She elaborates on this by listing common scenarios where this beginner’s mindset is essential:
- Starting a business
- Speaking on your first stage
- Negotiating a raise
- Posting on LinkedIn
- Launching your first product
- Asking for the order
Monahan’s core message is that waiting for confidence to materialize before taking action is a futile exercise. In her view, confidence is an outcome, not a prerequisite.
If you’re waiting until you feel confident, you’re waiting for something that only comes after you’ve started.
She emphasizes that the act of starting, despite the inherent discomfort of not being an expert, is the very mechanism that builds the confidence required to progress. This willingness to look “bad” or unskilled is, in Monahan’s opinion, a hallmark of true growth and sustained success.
A Call to Embrace Discomfort for Growth
Heather Monahan concludes her post with a personal commitment to actively cultivate this beginner’s spirit throughout the summer. She frames this not just as a personal challenge but as an invitation to her audience.
This summer I’m working on becoming the person who’s not afraid to be a beginner again. Are you coming with me?
Monahan’s insights offer a valuable reminder for professionals at all stages of their careers: that embracing the vulnerability of being a beginner is not a sign of weakness, but a powerful catalyst for building genuine confidence and achieving long-term success. By intentionally seeking out new challenges and accepting the initial learning curve, individuals can unlock new levels of personal and professional development.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Heather Monahan on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 22, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →