EPISODE 2: MINDSET

Your First Is Usually Bad — Start Messy: Courage Comes Before Confidence

June 16, 2025

Your first attempt is supposed to be messy because it is courage, not confidence, what gets you started and keeps you going.
Write your awesome label here.

Confidence doesn’t come first — courage does!

Together, we’ll explore why waiting to feel “ready” holds you back, and how to take that brave, imperfect first step.

You’ll hear real-life examples, relatable stories, and a mindset tool you can use right away to quiet the inner critic and start messy — because that’s the only way to build mastery.

Your Mindset Reset

When the voice in your head says, “I’m not good at this…”


You answer back:
“I’m not supposed to be good - Yet. I’m supposed to be starting."

That’s where the magic is.


Confidence isn’t the beginning—it’s the reward for choosing courage.

And courage?

Courage looks like showing up when it’s messy.
Trying again when you’re tired.
Whispering, “I don’t know how… but doing it anyway!"

Listen On ...

ON APPLE

ON SPOTIFY
Write your awesome label here.

 LISTENER PRAISE

Write your awesome label here.

"Such an easy, inspiring listen—uplifting tips, practical advice, and so relatable that you feel truly connected."

For The Full Experience

Click below to watch on YouTube & join me face-to-face on this journey.

Write your awesome label here.

3 Takeaways From This Episode

Sart Before You Feel Good at It
You’re not supposed to be good at the beginning — you’re supposed to be starting. Messiness means you’re in motion, and that’s how growth begins.

Confidence Follows Courage
Confidence isn’t what gets you started — it’s what you build by showing up bravely and taking imperfect action.

Courage Means Showing Up Messy
Courage looks like trying again when you’re tired and whispering, “I don’t know how…” but doing it anyway.

Why Listeners Keep Tuning In

Love this! Thank you for this episode Anya! l appreciate the tips for how to encourage creativity. I love the idea of using hands-on learning and experimentation, imagination, senses, asking open-ended questions, observing, offering freedom in choices, having them practice, problem-solve, and letting them fail!

Kayla Linares

Exactly What Homeschooling
Parents Need! This podcast is a breath of fresh air! Anya's passion is contagious. If you're looking for clarity, confidence, and connection in your homeschooling journey-this is the podcast for you!

Anastasia Larsson

Wow, this is amazing! I loved hearing this — it’s so true. Creativity really does get snuffed out as we grow older unless we actively work to preserve, protect, nourish, and let it flourish.

Melanie Beers-Quinn

 SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to the Anya Garcia Show and leave a review on Apple Podcast! Your support helps us reach more parents like you who need these insights. 

Here’s how: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Tell me what resonated most—I love hearing your biggest takeaways!

Thanks for tuning in and I will see you next week!

RESEARCH & SOURCES MENTIONED

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York: Random House.

Brown, B. (2012). Daring greatly: How the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. New York: Gotham Books.

Gopnik, A. (2009). The philosophical baby: What children's minds tell us about truth, love, and the meaning of life. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215.

Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W. H. Freeman.

Vasari, G. (1550). Lives of the most excellent painters, sculptors, and architects. Florence: Torrentino.

Montessori, M. (1949). The absorbent mind. Madras: Theosophical Publishing House.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Developmental milestones. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.

Meet Anya

Winner of the 2025 Global Women Changing the World in Education Award and named the #1 Key Early Learning Influencer in North America, Anya Garcia helps you parent with purpose and live with intention.


After walking away from a high-powered legal career, she entered her true calling—shining the light on the early years, a period rich with potential, transformation, and often-overlooked power.

Blending neuroscience, evolutionary insight, and practical strategies, Anya helps children thrive and adults evolve. You will find mindset-shifting tools and science-backed insights to inspire lasting change. 

This Show is where mindset meets motherhood, education meets empowerment, and transformation begins now—one child, one parent at a time.

Get the Goodness First

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Be the first to hear about new episodes, freebies, & updates — your info is safe and sound with us.
Thank you! You are officially an Insider!
Write your awesome label here.
Created with