Have you ever felt like you’re stuck at the starting line, paralyzed by the fear of not being good enough? I’ve been there—and so has my guest, Kristin Ericksen. In episode 195 of the INHABIT Podcast, we dive deep into why “suck” is the secret to success, and how embracing imperfection is the real key to unlocking courage, clarity, and confidence. If you’re a high achiever, entrepreneur, or anyone who’s ever doubted themselves, this conversation is for you.

Why “Suck” Is the Secret to Success

Let’s get real: nobody starts out as an expert. Kristin Ericksen, a peak performance coach and founder of Break Free, Make It Happen, has spent over 25 years helping high-profile clients and ambitious women break through their own barriers. Her message is simple but powerful—success isn’t about being perfect from the start. It’s about being willing to “suck” long enough to get good.

Kristin put it best:

“You have to be willing to suck long enough until you can get good, because the first three letters of ‘suck’ are the same three letters in the word ‘success.’”

That mindset shift is everything. Instead of waiting until you feel 100% ready, Kristin encourages us to take action with just 51% courage. “Nobody’s ever a hundred percent confident or courageous,” she says. “But you’ve got to learn to take it with you in the passenger seat. As long as you have that little shift of 51%, it doesn’t take much beyond that.”

The Three Pillars: Clarity, Courage, and Confidence

Kristin’s framework for transformation centers on three pillars:

• Clarity: Get crystal clear on what you truly want. Without a North Star, you’ll get stuck in analysis paralysis.
• Courage: Take action even when you’re scared. You don’t need to be fearless—just courageous enough to move forward.
• Confidence: Confidence is built through action, not before it. The more you show up, the more you grow.

She explains, “Clarity has to come first. If you do not have a clear vision, you’re going to get stuck. Once you develop the courage muscle, confidence is automatically born.”

Embracing Imperfection and Getting in the Arena

One of my favorite moments from the episode was when Kristin reframed failure as a necessary part of the journey. She said,

“There is no way you’re going to improve by sitting on the sidelines. The only way to improve is you have to get in the arena, or as I say quite bluntly, you have to be willing to suck long enough until you can get good.”

This is a game-changer for anyone who struggles with perfectionism (myself included). Kristin’s advice? Stop waiting to feel ready. Get in the game, make mistakes, and learn as you go.

The Power Audit: Finding What Fuels You

Kristin also shared a practical exercise called the “power audit.” Here’s how it works:

• Draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper.
• On one side, list the people, places, and things that drain your power.
• On the other, list what gives you power and energy.

This simple exercise can help you identify what to lean into and what to let go of, so you can align your life and work with what truly energizes you.

Why Market Needs Matter More Than Passion

Another key takeaway: don’t just follow your passion—find where your skills meet real market needs. Kristin warns, “The number one mistake I see entrepreneurs make is starting with what they want to teach, instead of what the market actually needs.” Listen to your audience, identify their pain points, and then bring your unique strengths to solve those problems.

The Value of Mentorship and Coaching

Kristin is a huge advocate for investing in mentorship. She shared, “The fastest way to success is to hire a mentor or a coach. You just need somebody that might be 10 steps ahead of you, even two steps ahead.” She’s personally invested in multiple coaches at once, and credits that support for helping her 10x her business.

Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome are universal, especially among high achievers. Kristin’s advice?

“Stop listening to yourself so much and start talking to yourself. Affirmations actually work. When you start self-talking to yourself and communicating to yourself, you are a powerful person.”

She also recommends modeling yourself after someone you admire and “borrowing their confidence” until you build your own.

Main Takeaways

• Success starts with being willing to “suck” and learn as you go.
• Clarity, courage, and confidence are the foundation for growth.
• Take action with just 51% courage—don’t wait for perfection.
• Use the power audit to align your life with what energizes you.
• Focus on market needs, not just personal passion.
• Invest in mentorship to accelerate your progress.
• Practice positive self-talk and model yourself after successful people.

Key Quotes

• “You have to be willing to suck long enough until you can get good, because the first three letters of ‘suck’ are the same three letters in the word ‘success.’”
• “Clarity has to come first. If you do not have a clear vision, you’re going to get stuck.”
• “Nobody’s ever a hundred percent confident or courageous. But you’ve got to learn to take it with you in the passenger seat.”
• “The only way to improve is you have to get in the arena.”

Ready to Stop Playing Small?

If you’re tired of waiting for the perfect moment and want to step into your power, this episode is your permission slip. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a high achiever, or someone craving a fresh start, remember: why “suck” is the secret to success isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a proven path to growth. Embrace imperfection, take bold action, and watch your confidence soar.

Listen to the full episode on Apple or Spotify for more actionable insights, inspiring stories, and practical strategies from Kristin Ericksen. And if you found value in this post, share it with a friend who needs a little extra courage today!

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