Blog
How to take the next step, ready or not
We all have a list of things we want to do. The 5k run. The job. The overdue conversation. Yet we are often deterred by not yet feeling ready. Overcoming that self-doubt was the focus of the recent Murdoch Alumni panel event, Whose Life Is This Anyway?
The panel connected three Murdoch alumni authors, who together explored how we can quieten the fear of inadequacy, take greater ownership of our lives and stop allowing the possibility of failure to hold us back from our dreams.
Facilitated by TEDx speaker and author of Anatomy of Conversation, Emma Gibbens (University of Wisconsin-Madison), the panel each shared one practical tip to help take the next step when you are finding it hard to move forward.
TJ Callas eMBA (Bachelor of Science and Master of Criminology) | Accountability Strategist
Author of recently published DO. DECIDE. ACCOUNT.
“Write a letter to your future self in the present tense. Describe your life three months, a year or five years from now as if you are already living it and put it somewhere you will see it first thing every morning. In 2023, I wrote one about speaking to big audiences. Today, I am taking my book around Australia.
Do not wait for motivation; it fades. Start now, start small wherever you are, with whatever you have. Do it consistently to build discipline, to keep going. Even when the opportunities have not arrived yet."
Aden Date (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Honours) | Collaboration and Communication Specialist
Author of Funny Business: Lessons on Creativity from Improvised Theatre
“Save careful deliberation for decisions you cannot undo. Often the real question is whether action would serve you better than more thinking. Improv taught me that spontaneity is a skill. You practice it somewhere supportive until you trust it will be OK, and over time the inner voice becomes more of a friend.”
Dr Marny Lishman (Bachelor of Psychology) | Mindset Coach
Author of recently published Only You: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone
“When something goes wrong, I ask myself four questions. What worked? What did not work? What could I do better next time? What was out of my control? Then I go again. Every stuff-up is evidence to my brain that I will be OK.”
The event was a wonderful celebration of TJ and Marny’s recent book launches.
For TJ in particular, the event was the culmination of these tips put into practice. After spending seven years writing a book dedicated to his late best friend who dreamed of becoming an author, he spent months emailing his community. He reached out to universities and organisations for opportunities to share his message and bring his book to life. When responses failed to come, doubt began to set in, but he persisted.
TJ’s persistence paid off when the Murdoch University Alumni Team responded. Sitting on the Whose Life Is This Anyway?, panel, he shared his story and ideas alongside fellow alumni authors in what he described as a full-circle moment.
“Results do not always come straight away, but consistent action will eventually find you an audience,” he said.
Of course, persistence is easier when you are not doing it alone, which is what the Murdoch alumni community is all about. It is somewhere to bring an idea, a message, or a story and connect with people who can help take it further.
Ready or not, we would like to hear from you. Email alumni@murdoch.edu.au to let us know what you are working on.
Discover the authors:
Only You: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone by Dr Marny Lishman
Funny Business: Lessons on Creativity from Improvised Theatre by Aden Date
You can watch the full conversation on YouTube (available from Thursday 29 October 2026).
YOUTUBE: @MurdochUniversityAlumni
Blog
How to take the next step, ready or not
Posted on
Wednesday 28 October 2026