Before I make any decisions about where Starting From Zero goes next, I want to hear from the people who actually make this community what it is. This space was created for anyone beginning something new — a skill, a habit, a project, or a fresh chapter — and recognising that starting from zero isn’t a weakness, it’s an opportunity. As the community grows, I want to be intentional about what we focus on and how we show up for each other. This isn’t about free versus paid. It’s about making sure this remains a supportive, motivating place that genuinely helps people take their next step. I’d love your input on a few simple questions: 1️⃣ What brought you to Starting From Zero in the first place? What need, challenge, or curiosity were you hoping this community would help with? 2️⃣ What has been most helpful for you so far? Even small things — posts, ideas, encouragement, structure — all count. 3️⃣ What would you like more of as you continue your journey? If we focused more strongly on one thing, what should it be? 4️⃣ How do you prefer to participate here? Quietly reading, occasional comments, daily prompts, challenges, accountability, sharing progress, or something else? 5️⃣ Imagine this community 3–6 months from now: If Starting From Zero was helping you move forward consistently, what would that look like in your day-to-day life? To help spark ideas (not a fixed plan), some things I’ve been thinking about include: - Gentle daily or weekly prompts - Beginner-friendly challenges - Clear “first steps” for different kinds of goals - Encouragement and mindset support - Sharing small wins and progress stories These are just prompts — I’m much more interested in what you would find supportive and motivating. Thank you for being here and for sharing honestly. I’ll read every response and will summarise what I’m hearing before making any changes.

When I first walked into a dojo at the age of 65, I was very aware that I was starting something completely new at a time in life when many people are slowing down. I had spent decades involved in sport—everything from squash to endurance events such as marathons and Iron Man races—so physical challenge was not unfamiliar to me. Even so, beginning karate as an older beginner was both confronting and deeply rewarding. The initial challenge was not fitness, but adaptation. Karate requires a different kind of physical ability: balance, coordination, flexibility, and precise control. Movements that look simple take time to understand and even longer to perform correctly. At my age, learning new techniques does not happen automatically, and repetition is essential. I found that I needed time outside the dojo to practice moves and make sure that I embed them into my neural pathways. Recovery takes longer too; I am far more conscious now of stiffness, sore joints, and the need to train intelligently rather than push blindly. There is also a mental challenge in being a beginner again. Training alongside people much younger than me required setting aside ego and accepting my limitations. Progress is slower, and comparisons are unhelpful. Karate has taught me patience in a very direct way. Each small improvement—better balance, cleaner technique, remembering a kata—feels genuinely earned. My background in sport has helped me greatly. Years of training taught me discipline, consistency, and respect for structured practice. Endurance events in particular taught me patience and perseverance, qualities that translate perfectly to karate. I understand that improvement comes from turning up, doing the work, and trusting the process. That mindset has allowed me to enjoy karate without frustration, even when progress feels slow. The benefits of karate, however, have been remarkable. Physically, I feel more balanced, mobile, and coordinated. The emphasis on posture, core strength, and controlled movement has had a positive impact on everyday life. Karate challenges the whole body in a way that feels purposeful rather than punishing. It encourages awareness of how I move, stand, and breathe.

People often think they need confidence to start, but the truth is confidence only comes after you take action. What you really need at the beginning is clarity—a sense of what your next step is, even if you can’t see the whole path yet. When you focus on clarity instead of waiting to “feel ready,” you remove the biggest mental barrier that keeps most people stuck. Action creates confidence, every single time. What’s the ONE thing you’re getting clear on right now?

Your environment and the people around you shape your actions more than you might realize. When you’re starting fresh, surrounding yourself with others who are driven, curious, and moving forward creates an energy that pulls you along with it. Momentum is contagious—when you're around people who are taking action, it becomes easier for you to do the same. Choose your influences intentionally. Who or what is inspiring you to keep going right now?

It’s tempting to go hard in the beginning, but intensity fades fast; consistency is what lasts. When you show up every day—even in small ways—you build a rhythm that becomes impossible to break. Think of consistency like a multiplier: each day compounds on the last, creating results that feel almost effortless over time. You don’t need big bursts of effort; you just need to show up again today. What’s your daily non-negotiable action this next week?