Audacity First, Everything Else Second

Recently, I received a comment under one of my TikTok posts that sparked some deep reflection. The video was about my switch from pharmacy to software engineering, cue the “shock and horror” reactions, and the comment asked: “Why did you think you could do it?”

That question made me pause. It pushed me to revisit how I think, how I act, and how those two forces shape our lives.

I’ve always believed that the mind is a powerful engine. Everything around you, every object, every system, every idea, was once a thought. And for that thought to exist in the physical world, two things had to happen:

1. The thought itself.

2. The action that turned the thought into reality.

This is how I simplify my life. It’s a bit like the Pareto principle: I focus on the 20% of thinking and action that creates 80% of results. My approach has two dimensions:

Maximising my thinking: cultivating innovative ideas, thinking big, imagining possibilities.

Maximising my action: taking deliberate steps, avoiding procrastination, and executing consistently.

Step One: The Thought

Honestly, I didn’t think a career transition was possible until I spoke to a therapist. Fresh out of university, I didn’t know anyone who had switched careers. I didn’t even know deviating from your degree was socially or professionally acceptable.

On top of that, my identity was tightly coupled with my career. People would greet my like 'ahhhh Ruth our Pharmacist'. This is very common in a lot of ethnic cultures, and something I’ll dive deeper into in future posts (stay tuned!).

I realised that many people around me couldn’t imagine a career outside pharmacy. So, I left that circle and sought guidance from someone who could. That conversation didn’t just give me advice, it changed my brain chemistry. It gave me audacity.

Audacity is the willingness to take bold risks. It’s the belief that literally anything is attainable as long as your thoughts and actions align.

Step Two: Cultivating Audacity

Here’s how you can nurture audacity in your own life:

1. Don’t ask for permission, just do.

When I was transitioning into Tech, I inadvertently checked with everyone to see if the change was “right.” I should have simply felt the push and acted.

2. Apply for things you feel underqualified for.

Stop the mindset of “Why would they hire me?” Don’t disqualify yourself before anyone else has the chance. Often, we are our own biggest obstacles.

3. Start small, then expand.

Practice “rejection therapy.” Try things that scare you. Fail fast. Learn faster. I'd recommend searching this on TikTok so you can actually see it in action!

4. Remember what people regret most.

Studies show that at the end of life, many people regret not doing what they truly wanted. Let that motivate you to act now.

5. Harness the mindset of audacious individuals.

I first heard this at a university event. A spoken-word artist was asked why she, a black female, exuded such confidence. She said, “In my mind, I am a white male.” What she meant was that she embodied a mindset of audacity, moving before she felt ready, acting as if the wins were hers to command. And in many ways, this mindset works.

Audacity is a muscle. The more you flex it, the stronger it becomes. I encourage you to start moving audaciously, take bold steps, challenge yourself, and see the fruits of your courage.

Until next time,

Ruth