Recently, I watched a video about the power of social capital – the idea that trust, reach, and value creation can help you build success in today’s world. The arguments were compelling, and the examples inspiring. But as I watched, I couldn’t shake one question: What about those of us who haven’t figured out where to start? What if you’re still searching for your purpose?

The Challenge of Being a Generalist

I often see myself as a generalist. My life hasn’t led me to a specific niche but has instead made me someone who knows a little about a lot. While that can be a strength, it also feels paralyzing when trying to chart a clear path forward.

The video spoke to people with clear talents or passions, those already creating value in their fields. But what if you don’t yet know what your contribution could be? This question resonates deeply with me.

Income Pressure and Feeling “Not Enough”

A significant theme in my life is the pressure to secure an income while breaking free from the hamster wheel. Like many, I dream of building something self-sustaining. But I often wonder if I’m ready. Do I have the expertise or knowledge to truly offer value? It feels like there’s an invisible bar set too high to reach.

The video, however, reframed this for me. It emphasized that success doesn’t hinge on being extraordinary right away. Instead, it’s about starting, building trust, and growing over time. That’s a perspective I’m trying to embrace.

Key Takeaways From the Video: Where Do You Start?

The video presented three pillars of social capital—distribution, reputation, and value. Here’s how I’m interpreting them for someone like me, still figuring things out:

1. Distribution: Start With What You Have
   The video highlighted that distribution is about getting your work seen, even if you’re starting small. Social media is free. Writing is free. You don’t need millions of followers to begin.
   For me, this means sharing my journey openly, whether through blog posts or short insights on platforms like X / Twitter. It’s about creating visibility for myself, even if I don’t have a polished “brand” yet.

2. Reputation: Build Trust Gradually
   Reputation isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up consistently and being authentic. The speaker shared that building trust takes time but is crucial to standing out in a noisy world.
   This resonated with me because it reminded me that I don’t need to know everything today. By sharing my genuine experiences—successes and struggles alike—I can create a foundation of trust with others.

3. Value: Solve Real Problems, Even on a Small Scale
   Value creation was one of the most impactful parts of the video. It’s not about solving massive, world-changing problems immediately. Instead, it’s about addressing tangible needs, no matter how small.
   I may not yet have a grand product or service to offer, but I can focus on smaller contributions, like simplifying a concept I’ve learned or sharing tools that helped me overcome a challenge.

Starting When You Don’t Have a Clear Path

The video made one thing clear: you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin. It’s about taking small, deliberate steps and learning as you go. For those of us still searching for our direction, here’s what I’m taking away:

1. Experimentation Is Key
   The video emphasized the importance of trying, failing, and adjusting. Building social capital isn’t about overnight success—it’s a process. This inspired me to view every attempt, no matter how small, as progress.

2. Leverage What You Already Know
   Even as a generalist, I’ve picked up skills and insights along the way. The speaker’s focus on turning your experiences into value reminded me that I don’t have to start from scratch entirely. It’s about leveraging what’s already in your toolkit.

3. Focus on Building a Network, Not Just an Audience
   One of the most powerful lessons from the video was that social capital isn’t about follower counts—it’s about relationships. A small but engaged network can open doors, provide feedback, and amplify your work in ways that numbers alone cannot.

My Next Steps: Finding My Value

After reflecting on the video and my own experiences, I’ve decided to start where I am:

• Document the Process: Whether it’s through writing or social media posts, I want to share my journey of learning, trying, and sometimes failing.

• Seek Out Connections: I plan to engage more actively with communities that share my interests in AI, crypto, and personal growth.

• Experiment Without Fear: I’ll test new ideas, from blogging about my favorite tools to exploring creative projects, without worrying too much about the outcome.

Closing Thoughts: The Path Forms as You Walk It

If you’re like me—still figuring out your path—know this: it’s okay to not have all the answers. The video reminded me that starting small, showing up authentically, and being willing to learn are the most critical steps. Success isn’t about knowing everything from day one; it’s about taking action and letting the path reveal itself over time.

So here’s my takeaway: Let’s start, even if it’s messy, imperfect, and uncertain. After all, the journey is where the real growth happens.

What I read today:

Today, I started reading Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication by Vanessa Van Edwards after being inspired by a podcast I recently watched on YouTube. I couldn’t resist diving into the Kindle edition after hearing her break down how small, almost imperceptible cues shape how we’re perceived in conversations, meetings, and even emails.

The book promises to unpack the science of charisma and communication, teaching how to amplify presence through vocal, verbal, and visual cues. I’m particularly intrigued by the idea of crafting trust and leadership signals consciously. It’s one of those reads where you find yourself nodding along, already spotting areas to improve in your day-to-day interactions. I’ll keep sharing my takeaways as I go along!

What I saw today:

This is the video I wrote about in this newsletter. 🙌🏼

What I listened to today:

One of my all time favourites! Currently listening to some older gems. 💎

What I liked today:

Random Thoughts:

Happy holidays 🎄

That’s it for today! ☺️