Harder To Get Started? Or Overcome Quiet Quitting?
“Make It Exist First, Make It Good Later.”
I saw this quote on Pinterest this morning and it’s been sitting heavy with me. As I reflect on it, I’m asking myself which part I struggle with more? Am I reluctant to begin or do I throw in the towel before things have a proper chance? Well I guess that depends if you would have asked me 10 years ago, or if you’re asking me now.
To some extent, most of us worry about the opinions and judgment of others but I don’t think I am as fearful of how things will be initially perceived, but in the commitment to the project for the long run. I love starting things… I’m far less good at continuing things. I have “quietly quit” sooo many projects, hobbies, sports, etc.
At this point, I imagine that people perceive me as someone who can’t follow through on things, isn’t true to their word, and isn’t devoted to their projects. Whether other people think this or not, it’s a belief that I have adopted of myself and it’s made me feel insecure and apprehensive as an artist.
Rather than spontaneously creating to create, for passion, for art, for feeling… I hold back now because I don’t know if I will want to continue it.
When I was younger, I was such a “yes” woman in nearly every area of my life. If something excited me, I went for it. I started so many side hustles. I traveled near and far. I bought clothing outside of my comfort zone, just to try it out. I was willing to make friends without worry if the friendship would continue. I captured content and posted it without a second thought.
As the years went on, sometimes my impulsivity had negative consequences or made me second guess my “spontaneity” as something that wasn’t always beneficial.
For example, due to spending so much money on travel, experiences, clothing, and eating out - I still don’t own a house.
Or, the 10+ side hustles I’ve abandoned.
Here are my reasons / excuses for why I stopped each of these.
Gameday Like Wetig… this vintage clothing brand was thriving in it’s first few years but I lost interest, people copied, and I don’t live in Nebraska anymore
My Airbnb in Omaha… I LOVED having an Airbnb. It was so rewarding to decorate, host guests and continually make improvements on. I was very bummed that loud neighbors forced it to close, which is valid but I could have moved it to another location if I was actually committed.
Shop The New Wave… I separated this business into two distinct parts, (1) secondhand inventory that evolved into 1404 Collective, and (2) new inventory of ethical, sustainable and mindful brands… but I haven’t yet because I want to relaunch it perfectly and am putting so much pressure on myself.
Sunseekers Cafe… a cacao cafe concept that was inspired by Otti Cacao in Tulum. I hope I follow through with this someday.
The Omaha Local… as I got busy with other things, this got put on the back burner. I am proud of myself that I decided to finally let go of it. I sold it in May 2025. Read about it here.
New Wave Nomad… a travel blog idea that I had. I bought the domain, secured the instagram handle, and started a website but then I got pregnant and was like dang I don’t know if I will be able to be that travel girl anymore, so I paused everything.
Already Friends… the actual podcast part of this brand is still alive and well, with new episodes every week. I also add new content to the website for each episode as well. However, I haven’t put any effort into our Instagram, Facebook group or TikTok. We also had goals to host occasional listener meet ups or annual group trips. We did one group trip to Costa Rica, which was great. After, I had intentions to host a group trip in Medellin, Tulum and Bali but never followed through.
Now, I feel “stuck.” I am on the fence between following through on projects I’ve already begun or pivoting to new projects that seem more intriguing / aligned.
This website (allisonwetig.com) is a perfect example. It was something I wanted to start for YEARS but I kept putting it off because I didn’t think I deserved to begin another thing. Once I sold The Omaha Local, it gave me permission to pour into this… like a one in, one out policy haha. I’m not sure if that’s good or healthy, but I didn’t want to start this website with any guilt. I want it to be a space where I can put effort into and share every single day if I feel like it.
So I guess in summary, I am in a period of career refinement. I want to get very clear about what projects I want to be involved with and how I’ll split my time between my businesses and client work. I think this will help with both external and internal perception. I want my audience to know exactly what my brand is, how they can support me, what my offerings are, and what they can hire me for.
Thank you for reading this far! Developing and creating content for this website has been incredibly helpful and therapeutic for me. I hope it can provide some value to you as well.