
The Brave Girl’s Guide to Success – 60% is Good Enough
Men apply for a job when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women apply ONLY if they meet 100% of them
Reshma Saujani’s simple yet powerful Ted Talk, “Teach girls bravery, not perfection,” is a strobe light cutting through life’s fog. Though she is talking about teaching girls to be brave, the idea behind her talk transcends all gender boundaries.
A striking statistic she shared hit me like a lightning bolt:
“Men apply for a job when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100% of them”. –Reshma Saujani
Perfection kills progress. It’s time to flip the script! Embrace the 60% rule and ignite the power of action. 60% is your war cry! We all are aspiring action-takers. Let’s look at what the 5 Action Steps of Being Brave looks like.
In this article:
“What if….(insert the most improbable situations where it could go WRONG).” This is the background noise running in the back of most 100% only hitters. But Mel asked the better question. How about entertaining thoughts of “What if it all works out?!” Can you feel the hit of electricity and lighting that surges through your veins and your gut at that?
Say it. Out loud.
- “What if it ends up even BETTER than I dreamed?”
- “What if things fall into place?”

And guess what? This electrifying hope works its magic regardless of what your “What if” is. Seriously, bookmark this for later.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”
– Winston Churchill
Whether your “What if” involves financial stability, getting your kids into a stellar school, or finally diving into that side hustle for financial freedom (and no, I’m not talking about selling feet pics), this is your boost. Just to be consistent and take one baby step at a time. The important thing is that you keep moving forward! Remember Overnight Success Stories — Are Years in the Making.

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Case 1: The Curious Creator – Grace’s Journey to Embrace Imperfection
Meet Grace, a passionate graphic designer who dreamt of launching her own line of quirky merchandise. For months, she mulled over every design detail, wanting everything to be ‘perfect.’ However, after watching Reshma Saujani’s Ted Talk, she adopted the 60% mantra. Grace launched her merchandise with just a handful of designs, embracing the raw and imperfect charm. Surprisingly, her customers loved the authenticity, and her business took off.
⟶ Action Step 1: Define Your 60%
Take a moment to evaluate your current project or idea. What elements are essential for launch, and what can you reasonably refine later? Identifying your 60% threshold will liberate you from the shackles of overthinking.
Case 2: The Fearless Coach – Mark’s Leap into the Unknown
Mark had always toyed with the idea of becoming a life coach, but he hesitated due to lack of experience. Reshma Saujani’s words struck a chord, propelling him to start despite his doubts. He attended workshops, read voraciously, and began offering free sessions. With each interaction, he refined his skills, eventually building a successful coaching practice.
⟶ Action Step 2: Embrace Continuous Learning
Remember, bravery doesn’t negate preparation. Dive into your venture with an open mind, ready to learn and adapt along the way. Start, even if you’re not an expert; you’ll become one through the process.

Case 3: The Adventurous Writer – Sarah’s Blogging Breakthrough
Sarah nursed a dream of sharing her travel adventures through writing. However, her ‘what if I’m not good enough’ program had kept her aspirations dormant. Inspired by the 60% rule, she penned her first article with vulnerability. The response was overwhelming, and soon she had a dedicated readership.
⟶ Action Step 3: Embrace Vulnerability
Perfection often stems from fear of judgement. Dare to be vulnerable in your pursuit. Share your journey, admit your uncertainties, and connect with your audience on a human level. Authenticity resonates.
Case 4: The Resilient Developer – Alex’s Tech Startup Triumph
Alex had an innovative app idea, but the fear of bugs and glitches held him back. After internalising the 60% rule, he launched a beta version, fully aware of its imperfections. User feedback poured in, guiding him towards refining the app. Eventually, he rolled out a version that exceeded expectations.
⟶ Action Step 4: Embrace Feedback
Invite feedback, even on your ‘unfinished’ work. Constructive criticism fuels growth. It’s not about getting it right the first time; it’s about making it better with each iteration.
Case 5: The Visionary Artist – Mia’s Gallery Debut
Mia, a talented artist, had postponed her gallery debut, constantly tweaking her pieces. Following the 60% mantra, she showcased her evolving collection. The authenticity and rawness of her art captivated the audience, leading to a successful opening night.
⟶ Action Step 5: Embrace Evolution
Your journey is a masterpiece in itself. Allow your ideas and creations to evolve. Embrace the beauty of growth, and let your audience witness your progress. For insights into building a network with gentler, yet effective methods, explore this guide on softer ways to establish professional connections.
The 60% rule isn’t an excuse for carelessness; it’s a call to action. It’s an antidote to the paralysis of perfection. All this is to say. Be Brave gurl! What if it all works out??!?!??! 60% is good enough!
Shoot your shot! So what if you miss? Even better. What if you hit the bulls eye?!!!! There will be screaming, squealing and lots of jumping about as we celebrate your win is what will be happening!
So, remember some or all 5 of the Action Steps and let Reshma’s mantra guide you: 60% is good enough! Go launch it! Your journey toward success starts with a courageous step, not a perfect one.
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