Try Anyway

“If no one comes, no one will know that no one came.” —often attributed to Socrates.

What I love about that statement is how powerfully it reminds us to stop only thinking about the things we want to do and start doing them.

Growing up, especially in my pre-teen years, I was the unpopular kid. I’m talking about being picked last for every team sport, paired with the other unpopular girl at camp, and generally overlooked in all the places where community seemed to come so easily for everyone else.

I would come home from school crying. My mom would comfort me and try to encourage me. I don’t remember her exact words, but I do remember her hugs. They were a great comfort.

Even after I came out of my shell in seventh grade, I was never really invited into the popular crowd.

That kind of rejection stays with you. For most of my life, I avoided hosting parties or events because I worried no one would come.

Maybe if someone had shared that quote years ago, I would have worried less. I would have planned the party, sent the invitations, and enjoyed the refreshments myself—even if no one showed up.

But here’s the truth: people did show up. Every. Single. Time.

And even when the response isn’t what you hoped for, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth doing.

That’s the point. We must try. If we feel passionate about something, we must be willing to be scared. Willing to fall. Willing to eat all the snacks by ourselves.

On March 27, I will launch my podcast, DunnWise Perspectives. I’m excited about the conversations ahead. My husband is already talking about the day I’ll need a professional studio for future interviews. He believes in me, and honestly, I’m okay if he’s the only one who listens.

But here’s the truth about that, too: everyone who has heard about the podcast is excited for me. They’ve asked me to share the link, encouraged me to spread the word, and promised to listen.

I’m excited and nervous at the same time.

And if no one listens, no one will know that no one listened.

I can only fail if I never try. Failure isn’t falling. Failure isn’t struggling. Failure isn’t the absence of guaranteed success. Failure is deciding not to begin.

The stories you’ll hear are stories of falling, sometimes literally, and getting back up again. They are stories of resilience, courage, and believing in yourself enough to try.

Check out the first episode on March 27. You’ll find DunnWise Perspectives wherever you listen to or watch podcasts.

And if you know someone—maybe even yourself—who has a story they’re ready to share, please reach out or click here to fill out the guest form and be considered for a future episode. 

---

Enjoyed this week’s blog? I share reflections on mindset, leadership, and clarity each week in my newsletter. 👉 Subscribe here to have it delivered straight to your inbox.

Launching March 27: The DunnWise Perspectives Podcast: Stories of Resilience and Shifting Mindsets.

If you’re looking for clarity in your business or career, you can reach me at doris@dunnwise.com, via DM, or at dunnwise.com.