The Power of Starting Bad: Why I Intentionally Made a Cringe Commercial

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When I posted the very first Ascenda Collective video, I knew it wasn’t perfect — in fact, it was intentionally bad. I had just finished watching an SNL spoof of a 70's dating show and figured - "Hey, if it's good enough for SNL it's good enough for me". So I made sure that it was dramatic, over the top, and honestly, kind of cringe. But that was exactly the point. I was struck in a functional freeze and decided to stick to the plan and just show up. That video was my way of living what I’m here to teach: that growth starts when you stop waiting to be perfect. Because the truth is, fear of looking “bad” has stopped far too many of us from ever starting at all.

Heading #1: The Truth about "Starting Bad"

Heading #2: What Ascenda Collective Really Is

Heading #3: So, What Does That Mean For You?

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The Truth about "Starting Bad"

Now, don't get me wrong, the story tells cleanly here but it's not easy to overcome the fear of vulnerability when starting bad. I started and stopped more times than I could count before I got to the point of acceptance. I use acceptance intentionally, because that's all it was. There was no excitement. Just a terrifying resignation that it had to get done. Even now, I cringe when I watch the video. So, the truth is, you're never going to not be afraid to start bad. And that's okay. Because that fear is your clue that you're trying something new. Like building a muscle, it will get easier every time.

What Ascenda Collective Really Is

I built Ascenda Collective to be more than a brand. It's a community space where we get to support each other in rediscovering the things that have always lit us up! Things that we may have pushed aside due to time, societal condition, or simply forgetting!

We then use that to create your North Star. A hobby, dream, or creation that you can use to stack your habits and build a life that you're passionate about. However that looks to you! That's the beauty of Ascenda Collective! Your Journey is and always be your own. This space is here to support and empower your discovery! Because the win is in showing up, not in being perfect.

So, What Does That Mean For You?

Currently, at Ascenda Collective you'll find:

•  Biweekly Journals — themed reflections to help you pause, process, and realign.

• Wellness & Fitness Challenges — accessible workouts that reconnect body and mind.

• Mindset Conversations — real talks about stillness, burnout, and starting over.

• Community Spaces — group chats, reflections, and accountability circles to grow together.

Ascenda Collective isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being showing up .It’s a reminder that growth isn’t linear — it’s layered, messy, and deeply human.

That first video — the “cringe commercial” — was me living the message I want to share with you: Don’t let fear of bad stop you from beginning.

So start. Start late. Start scared. Start bad. Just start.

Welcome to Ascenda Collective.