Skip to content
Nicolas Cava

After my layoff, my confidence took a hit

After my layoff, my confidence took a hit. I wasn't just uncertain—I was frozen. Perfectionism crept back in. I kept circling around ideas, planning,...

· 1 min read

After my layoff, my confidence took a hit. I wasn't just uncertain—I was frozen.

Perfectionism crept back in. I kept circling around ideas, planning, overthinking. Telling myself, "Just a little more prep, then I'll act."

But that moment never came. And it wouldn't—because I was stuck in an infinite loop. One that felt safe but slowly drained my momentum.

The breakthrough? I forced myself to act while being maybe 20% prepared. That first step was uncomfortable. But it broke the loop.

20% became 40. Then 60. Confidence didn't come before action. It followed it.

That's the thing about perfectionism—it feels like control. But it's actually paralysis. Action is the antidote.

If you're waiting to be ready, stop. Start. Move. Even just a little. It's how you build yourself back.

What's one thing you could act on today—even at 20% ready?

New notes by email.

A short note when I publish something new. Unsubscribe anytime.

Your developers are busy and the product is stuck?

Book a free 25-minute call to see whether working together makes sense.

Prefer writing? Email me at hello@nicolascava.com. I'll reply within one business day.