By Tokiso TKay Nthebe
Starting anything new can be one of the most traumatising yet exhilarating experiences of our lives. The emotional cocktail that comes with taking a leap of faith — fear, anxiety, imposter syndrome, excitement, and sometimes overconfidence — can feel overwhelming. For many, that very fear keeps dreams trapped in notebooks and minds instead of being brought to life.
Yet, the truth is simple: nothing changes until you start.
The Weight of Starting
When I first decided to be intentional about creating content, I had no idea just how confronting the journey would be. I struggled with imposter syndrome, constantly battling thoughts that I wasn’t good enough or skilled enough. The vulnerability that came with sharing my ideas publicly terrified me — because once you put yourself out there, you open the door to both praise and criticism, solicited or not.
“There are two fatal errors that keep great projects from coming to life: not finishing or not starting.”
— Buddha Gautama
Every blog post, YouTube video, and podcast I uploaded came with a surge of anxiety that at times took a toll on my mental health. I quickly realised how little I knew about cinematography — the art of motion picture photography and filming. When I began, I couldn’t even pronounce the word, let alone understand what it meant.
But that’s the beauty of starting: you don’t need to know everything. You learn as you go.
How I Started — Imperfectly
When I finally decided to begin my content creation journey, I didn’t have a plan, a professional camera, or a team. What I had was conviction — and an accountability partner who refused to let me hide behind excuses.
There’s something powerful about telling someone your dream. It breathes life into the vision and creates an unspoken responsibility to act on it. But once I’d said it out loud — “I want to be a content creator” — the fear hit.
I suddenly found every reason not to begin:
❌ “I don’t have the right equipment.”
❌ “I’m not ready.”
❌ “I don’t know enough.”
Sound familiar?
Underneath all those excuses was one truth: I was scared.
The Birth of #TalksOverLinford
In December 2019, my accountability partner and I decided to stop hiding behind fear. We recorded our first episode of #TalksOverLinford on a rooftop at the American Corner in Maseru using nothing but a smartphone. The lighting was terrible, the sound was worse — but we uploaded it anyway.
That small, imperfect action changed everything.
From there, we kept going. We recorded a second episode, then another. We began collaborating with other young African creatives — sound engineers, videographers, strategists, and entrepreneurs — who were just as passionate about storytelling and purpose-driven conversations.
An African proverb says:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Our production improved, our creativity flourished, and our network grew. With every episode, we learned something new — about storytelling, resilience, and teamwork.
The Lessons Along the Way
Starting something new will test you. There were days when the budget ran dry, when criticism cut deep, and when self-doubt crept back in. But every challenge came with a lesson.
Through this journey, I’ve learned:
💡 That perfection is overrated — progress is what matters.
💡 That feedback, even when harsh, helps you grow.
💡 That collaboration brings depth to creativity.
💡 That courage is a muscle — the more you use it, the stronger it gets.
Today, we’ve produced several episodes of #TalksOverLinford, collaborated with local brands, and interviewed incredible young Basotho doing impactful work in entrepreneurship, education, mental health, the creative economy, and gender advocacy. What began as a shaky first step has grown into a platform that tells real African stories through honest, reflective conversations.
Why You Must Start — Even When You’re Scared
Looking back, I’ve learned that the act of starting is the most powerful step you’ll ever take. Once you begin, momentum builds. Confidence grows. Opportunities unfold.
If you’re holding back on a dream — whether it’s launching your business, starting a podcast, writing a book, or changing careers — remember this:
You don’t need to be ready. You just need to begin.
The world doesn’t reward perfection; it rewards courage.
So start — messy, unprepared, uncertain — but start anyway.
In Conclusion
Starting is not easy, but it’s the only way to move closer to the life you imagine. Every creative, entrepreneur, and leader you admire once stood at the edge of uncertainty — just like you.
As we continue building The TKO Network, a space for leadership, finance, and personal growth for African professionals, I hope my story reminds you that your journey is valid, your dream is possible, and your start — however imperfect — matters.
Watch #TalksOverLinford on YouTube
Join the conversation at tkaynthebe.com
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Until then, stay trailblazing
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