Inception, Impressions & Validation

We Cover: Trends: Taking new steps, first impressions, and more. My Takeaway from Show Your Work by Austin Kleon

My Weekly Explorations 👀

Honestly, We’re All Just Figuring It Out

When I look back, I realize nobody knows what they’re doing at the start. I surely didn’t.

Whether it was my first job, a new project, or even trying to build something of my own, half the time, I was just figuring things out as I went. But that’s the thing no one tells you: everyone’s figuring it out.

The people who eventually make it aren’t necessarily the smartest. They’re just the ones who keep going by asking questions, staying curious, failing, learning, and showing up again.

I used to think clarity comes before action. Turns out, it’s the other way around. You gain clarity because you act, not before it.

So if you’re feeling lost right now, maybe you’re exactly where you need to be. The early confusion is part of the process, and one day, it’ll all make sense when you realize how far you’ve come just by not giving up.

Seven Seconds :)

I once read that people form an impression of you in just seven seconds - before you even speak.

I didn’t really get it until I started noticing it in my own life. Once, I walked into a client meeting after a long morning, still distracted by emails. I tried to deliver my points perfectly, but the energy felt off. People in the room were polite but distant.

And with that, I want to draw attention to my coming point, that the moment you walk into a room, with your posture or even the look in your eyes, people can feel your energy. You might have the perfect words lined up, but if you walk in anxious or distracted, that’s what they’ll remember.

But when you enter with calm confidence, energy shifts. People listen more closely, and you are the center of attention.

Even simple things make a difference, like a coffee chat, a casual discussion, or a brainstorming session. People don’t just respond to your words; they respond to your presence.

And those first few seconds? They set the tone for everything that follows.

Show Your Work by Austin Kleon 📖

This week, I picked up Show Your Work by Austin Kleon again, and somehow, it hit harder this time.

It’s such a simple idea, really: stop waiting to be perfect before you start sharing. Kleon says when you show your process like the messy drafts, the half-formed thoughts, and the behind-the-scenes chaos - you give others a chance to grow with you.

One line that stayed with me was:
“You can’t find your voice if you don’t use it.”

It’s a quiet reminder that no one’s going to hand you permission to start. You find your way by doing, by showing up even when it feels small or imperfect. So talk about what you’re learning. Share what’s confusing you. Celebrate what excites you.

Because the more you put yourself out there, the more your voice begins to sound like you - and maybe, just maybe, it’ll help someone else find theirs too!

That’s it for this week!🤍

I hope these thoughts and insights resonate with you as much as they did with me. Life’s a journey, and it’s the little moments and reflections that make it meaningful. Keep exploring, stay curious, and most importantly, keep being you.

Also, if you know someone who might like this newsletter, forward this to them.

Please write to shashank@salaried.club if there’s anything you’d like to share with us.

See you next week :)

Regards,
Shashank Srivastava