Starting Again (And Refusing to Be Put in a Box)

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Starting Again (And Refusing to Be Put in a Box)

Ever Feel Like You’re Always Starting Over?

Ever feel like you’re on your third, fourth—or twentieth—attempt at building something that sticks?
If you’re nodding, you’re definitely not alone. Most people don’t talk about how many times they’ve had to tweak, pivot, or flat-out start again. It’s not failure—it’s just how real progress happens.

The “Jack of All Trades” Moment

“You know, you seem like a jack of all trades, master of nothing.”
I think it was said to see how I’d respond.
Here’s the thing: I’m 47. I’m not interested in being boxed in. I realised I wasn’t purely skilled in one thing when, at six form college, the upper sixth wrote in the yearly rag mag that I was multi-talented. I think EVERYONE IS...but not everyone realises.
What I’ve learned from doing lots of things—and mastering plenty along the way—is you become versatile. I’ve finally realised now, this is me…and I’m happy with it!  You become steadfast. You grow strong. You learn to adapt, to pivot and to spot opportunities others miss.  And you definitely grow a tough skin.
I’ve had to in music, too. Standing up in front of a crowd, putting yourself out there, sometimes falling flat and getting back up anyway.
That resilience? It carries over into everything—business, life, all of it.
I look at all these experiences as a positive. It’s a strength. It’s what makes me sellable. It means I can adapt to any situation, make the best of it, and bring real results—no matter what’s thrown my way.
Trying to squash yourself into one narrow niche? That’s usually about someone else’s control.
People want you doing one job so they can tick a box in their heads and know that area’s covered. It’s about keeping you in a lane that makes sense for them—not for you.
But being the so-called “jack of all trades, master of none”? That actually shows spirit. It shows you’ve got the guts to do something for yourself. You’re not waiting for permission or letting someone else decide your limits.
Being adaptable—being a bit of a chameleon—is how you survive. That’s how animals make it in the wild. They don’t stick to one colour, one trick, one safe corner.
Real growth and survival come from being able to change, blend, and thrive wherever you end up.
People are multi-talented, multi-layered. That’s not a weakness. That’s your edge.
Some people find their best work by specialising and owning one lane—and I respect that. For me, it’s always been about exploring, adapting, and bringing every lesson forward.

Building on a Shoestring

Let’s get this straight: not everyone has a bottomless budget for ads or a slick agency behind them. I’ve never had thousands to throw at paid campaigns. Most of my wins? They’ve come from showing up, learning as I go and making the absolute most of what’s in front of me.

That means:
  • Making use of every free trial
  • Repurposing content until it’s unrecognisable
  • Leaning on community, collaboration and a bit of creative hustle
And honestly, that’s where the best stories (and results) come from.

Progress Looks Like This

It’s not all viral moments or overnight successes. Sometimes it’s:
  • Getting a DM from someone who finally “gets” what you do
  • Landing a client from a post you nearly didn’t share
  • Hearing “I saw your reel—can you help me with that?”
Those moments? They’re gold. They’re proof you don’t need a massive budget to make an impact.

Why Starting Over Isn’t a Dirty Word

Every time you start again, you bring more to the table. More skills, more self-awareness, more grit.
You get sharper about who you want to help and how you want to show up.
Here’s what I’ve found:
  • The “messy middle” is where you find your real voice
  • People respect honesty and consistency far more than perfection
  • The best clients aren’t looking for a polished robot—they want someone who actually listens, adapts and cares

The Power of Community (and a Good Laugh)

If you’re building solo, it can feel like you’re shouting into the void.
But the minute you start connecting—commenting, sharing, joining that awkward Zoom—you realise you’re not on your own after all.
Some of my best ideas (and biggest clients) have come from random chats, accidental collaborations or just being brave enough to ask for for what you want, or any feedback that can be provided.

Small Steps, Big Results

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every week.
Try this:
  • Batch your content (one idea, fifteen ways)
  • Use trending sounds on reels (even if you feel silly)
  • Share a quick win or lesson learned—people love real stories
And if you’re stuck? Ask your audience what they want. You’ll be surprised how much gold you get back.
Selling Without Feeling “Salesy”
Let’s be honest—nobody likes the hard sell.
What works?
  • Offer real value (tips, resources, quick wins)
  • Show the results you’ve helped others get (even if it’s just one person)
  • Make it easy for people to take the next step (clear links, friendly CTAs, a simple DM)

Permission to Pivot (As Many Times As You Need)

Here’s the thing:
You’re allowed to change your mind.
You’re allowed to try, tweak, and even “fail” (if you want to call it that).
Every single time, you’re getting closer to what actually works for you.

Final Thought

If you’re feeling like you need a fresh start, you’re in good company.
You don’t need a fortune or a flawless plan.
You just need to show up, keep learning, and stay open to what’s next.
And if someone ever tries to put you in a box—just remember, the best stuff happens when you colour outside the lines.
If you’re ready for honest feedback and want to know exactly how your online presence stacks up—book your Website & Digital Presence Reality Check here.
Get clear, practical advice from someone who’s been there, done it, and knows what actually works—so you can move forward with confidence.
Whenever you’re ready, I’m here.

Alex Harris Digital 2024