It’s interesting how we sometimes need reminders even about our important decisions. This post serves as a reminder of why I decided to start writing, touching on logical and subtle (internal) reasons.

In a sense I needed to write even about the writing itself, to create a foundation.

Intro

When I was reading about Data Scientists, gathering information on what to learn and which resources to use, I came across many different opinions about the job. Some said that dedication alone is enough to succeed, while others emphasized the need for smarts, strong math skills, and more.

And everywhere, the same idea kept appearing: In order to land a job, you need to be competitive. You need to be the best of the best.

I don’t believe it to be entirely true. Well, I don’t want to believe that. Because what this mindset brings — is desire to compete, win, to be better than someone else — and that’s not inspiring to me at all. I don’t want to compete; I want to find my own place.

I understand I need to be discoverable but not in a cutthroat way.

Still, I won’t lie, it did raise some doubts inside. That maybe I’m not smart enough to pull this off.

My WHY’s

As a sign of self-support, I wanted to shift my focus from weakening thoughts to something that helps me grow. So, I decided to write about my learning journey, as in

If you can explain it in simple terms, you understand the topic.

It is the gist of several quotes I encountered, yet inspired by Feynman’s learning technique.

Plus, the act of explanation itself helps to understand it better. So, I thought I will be just writing posts on Medium, make projects on GitHub, all casual. It evolved pretty soon 🤭 and I created my own cozy space for that - this website. [1 - on website creation]

“Starting Today”

Ever since the idea of writing came to me, this line from Elvis song has been playing louder and louder in my head. Even though it’s about romance, these two words stood out.

All too familiar motivational lines — ‘Just do it!’ ‘Start now!’ — yes, yes, I know.

But what if I had the spark, and it slipped? And suddenly, writing feels like another to-do rather than an inspired act? Should I still do it today or leave it for later?

Turns out, this simple decision also touches on many psychological aspects of self — perfectionism, already mentioned doubt, self-image. Great time for self-reflection!

So, this “starting today” actually took me 14 ‘tomorrows’! [Thank you, Elvis, for putting up with me this long.]

Yet what's the point of 'starting today' if you're not doing it then?

Because every time it plays in my head, it feels like I always have another chance. ‘Starting today’ ANY day. Like giving yoursell countless amount of chances. And I believe this knowing that I can have as many chances as I need is far more powerful than feeling constrained by timeframes.

Besides, this ‘putting-off’ can actually provide valuable insights into why it happens. [I don’t believe being lazy or doing nothing are our desired states.]

For me, I realized I needed to create a bigger picture first. [2 - on planning] How this whole idea fits into my future, my goals. Or is this the time to reconsider them?

In conclusion…

Here I am.

“Starting today. I’m teaching my heart…”

If you know and like this song, I bet it’s been playing in your head ever since I mentioned it. You’re welcome. 😉

Now playing: Elvis Presley - Starting Today

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