In a recent LinkedIn post, Steven Bartlett discusses the significant barrier that the fear of embarrassment and external judgment poses to individuals pursuing their potential. Bartlett, the host of the popular podcast ‘The Diary of a CEO’, argues that this fear prevents many from taking the crucial first steps in sharing their ideas or launching projects.
The High Cost of Avoiding Embarrassment
Bartlett identifies embarrassment as a fundamental ‘price of entry’ for growth and creation, a price that he suggests most people are unwilling to pay. He elaborates on the internal monologue that often leads to inaction, highlighting the anxiety associated with potential criticism from acquaintances, colleagues, or even distant social media contacts.
“Embarrassment is the price of entry – and most people just aren’t willing to pay it.”
According to Bartlett, this reluctance is tragically pervasive, leading to a substantial waste of untapped potential. He questions how many ideas and ventures never see the light of day because the individual fears a ‘snide comment’ or negative reaction from people who may not even be significant figures in their lives.
Practicing in Public as a Path to Progress
The business leader advocates for a shift in mindset, encouraging individuals to embrace ‘practicing in public’. He shares his own experience, noting that initial attempts at creation, such as recording a video or writing a post, often feel uncomfortable and exposing. However, he frames this discomfort as a necessary doorway to progress.
“I don’t think anything holds us back from the life we could have lived more than the opinions of people who don’t even know us.”
Bartlett asserts that waiting until one feels perfectly ready, polished, or ‘credible’ is a common trap. He contends that significant achievements often stem from accepting the need to be imperfect in public initially, learning and improving through the process of creation and sharing.
The Role of Early Launching Platforms
Reflecting on his investment in Stan, a platform designed to support creators, Bartlett connects his philosophy to the need for tools that facilitate early launching. He explains his backing of the company goes beyond its creator-focused features; it’s about enabling individuals to overcome technical hurdles and their own self-doubt.
“every good thing that’s happened in my life started with me accepting that I would have to inevitably ‘practice in public’ – be bad at something in front of the world before I’d figured it out”
As Steven Bartlett concludes, the willingness to be vulnerable and imperfect in the pursuit of one’s goals is paramount. He challenges readers directly:
“So you might as well live. Too many people wait until they feel ready, polished, or ‘credible’ enough to start… are you willing to practice in public?”
Bartlett’s message is a call to action for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs to confront their fears of judgment and embrace the iterative process of bringing ideas to life, no matter how imperfect the initial stages may seem.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Steven Bartlett on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 13, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →