From a young age, many of us were interested in the field we work in now. We picked up a camera when we were 5 or took our first piano lesson at 6. Maybe our parents spoke to us in Russian growing up or we were reading Joseph Campbell by middle school, writing poetry since we were 10.

And we should also recognize that there are other people in our chosen field, who started screenwriting in college or didn’t discover Julia Cameron and morning pages til their 40s or later. Maybe someone’s first marathon wasn’t until 2 years ago.

The point I’m trying to make is that we’ve all been given head starts over others (no, I’m not talking about privilege, but it does apply). The skill and interests we’ve had since we were little. The things our parents did with us or for us has given us a leg up. Lean into it. That is your advantage. That is for you to use and take advantage of. Not to slow down or get cocky or lazy (think: tortoise and the hare).

No, it’s not a real race and there are no real finish lines. But the world is competitive, we are looking for jobs and projects and talent. And you do have a head start over other people.

Use it. Keep taking lessons. Keep pushing your writing. Keep teaching and giving feedback and sharpening your critical skills. Keep studying and learning and getting better, sharpening your weakness into strength. You have a head start and only you know what it is.
Use it.

Caveday is a company aimed at improving your relationship to work. We write regular posts on Medium and send out monthly newsletters with productivity tips, life hacks, and recommendations. Sign up for the mailing list here.

Jake Kahana is a cofounder of Caveday. Sign up for his personal emails, called “The Email Refrigerator” here.