In a recent LinkedIn post, Alec Rickard tackles the pervasive issue of “analysis paralysis” that often hinders individuals from starting or growing their presence online, particularly on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Rickard argues that the common practice of waiting until one “feels ready” is a counterproductive “full-time job” that ultimately yields no rewards. He contrasts the inaction of those who over-plan with the rapid progress of those who begin posting, even imperfectly, in real-time.
The Perils of Perpetual Preparation
Rickard highlights a common scenario where individuals spend months researching posting strategies, taking notes, and refining initial drafts that never see the light of day. This hesitation, he suggests, stems from an inner critic that deems early work “not good enough.” This fear of imperfection leads to a prolonged state of waiting, during which others with less experience but more action gain significant ground.
“Waiting to feel ready is a full-time job. And it never pays off.”
According to Rickard, this gap in progress is not necessarily about skill but about the fundamental decision to start. He observes that while some are meticulously planning, others are actively posting, learning, building audiences, and generating inbound leads. The key differentiator, Rickard emphasizes, is not superior knowledge but earlier initiation.
Actionable Strategies for Overcoming Hesitation
To combat this tendency towards inaction, Alec Rickard proposes a series of practical steps. He stresses the importance of posting even when the content isn’t perfect, suggesting that the initial efforts are unlikely to be exceptional. Rickard advises doubling down on content that shows promise and engagement, as real-world feedback from comments and shares provides more valuable insights than extensive theoretical planning.
“Your first 10 posts won’t be great. Post them anyway.”
Furthermore, Rickard urges individuals to actively ignore the inner voice that advocates for waiting. He contends that this internal resistance has been more detrimental to careers than any poorly executed piece of content.
Embracing Imperfection and Iteration
Rickard frames each post not as a permanent declaration but as a “data point” for testing what resonates with an audience. This iterative approach, he argues, is crucial for audience growth. He also points out the strategic advantage of speed in the early stages of building an online presence.
“Speed is your ammo early on. Done beats perfect at every stage of audience growth.”
The core message from Rickard’s analysis is that confidence and competence are cultivated through action, not through passive anticipation. He concludes by posing a question to his audience, encouraging them to identify what they might be putting off starting.
“Bottom line: confidence comes from doing, not from waiting to do.”
Rickard’s insights offer a compelling case for prioritizing action over perfection, a valuable perspective for anyone looking to establish or enhance their professional brand and career trajectory.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Alec Rickard on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 6, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →