The Level #53

637 words / < 3 min

Hi,

Welcome back to The Level.

Let's talk about a Mental Model that has transformed the way I approach business (and life): working in iterations.

This model helps you break free from the pressure to get things “perfect” on the first try. 

The truth is, no one does.

In This Issue:

• Learning from my first company.
• Iterations and how to avoid stagnation.
• Practice in your own business.
  
  

Why it matters: Success happens when you embrace cycles of action, reflection, and adjustment.

"If I had just started rather than waiting."

I took this approach to the very first company I founded. 

While it was successful by my 24-year-old self’s standards, it could’ve been wildly successful (by my 40-year-old self’s standards)...

if I had just freaking started selling, rather than waiting for my brand, website, processes and offer all to be “perfect.” 

But taking action empowers growth and almost eliminates regret. And working in iterations essentially guarantees your progress.  

Now I take joy and action rather than taking inventory of conditions.

It's Freeing 

When you work iteratively, you avoid biting off more than you can chew.

You tackle manageable chunks, make the best decisions possible with the information you have, and adjust as you go.

This framework isn’t just practical—it’s freeing.

It’s how you build momentum, avoid burnout, and stay on track without getting overwhelmed.

I shared this week with our members: you're simply running experiments and iterating until you find the best solution.

The key to iterative work is this cycle: Action ➡️ Reflection ➡️ Adjusted Next Action.

1. Action: Take a low-risk step based on the best information you have now.

   Example: Run a small pilot program instead of launching a full product.

2. Reflection: Evaluate the outcome honestly. What worked? What didn’t? Where can you improve?

   Example: Gather feedback from participants and see what resonated most.

3. Adjusted Next Action: Use your reflection to make small, meaningful changes and act again.

   Example: Fine-tune your product based on insights from the pilot.

Successful people and companies live by this cycle. They know that waiting for perfect conditions or complete information is a recipe for stagnation. 

What's your next action?

Maybe an action you need to take is putting yourself out there.

Try this: Come to our webinar next week where I'll be hosting Podcast Publicity Strategist Christina Lenkowski so you can effectively position yourself as a podcast guest 👇

Get proven tips and pitch tactics to grow your audience and drive high-quality leads.

Join me w/ Podcast Publicity Strategist Christina Lenkowski
Wed Nov 20 | 1-2 p.m EST

Iterations: Take Action

Here’s how you can apply iterations in your work today:

1. Pick One Project: What’s something you’ve been procrastinating on because it feels overwhelming?
2. Bite Off a Low-Risk Chunk: Identify one manageable step you can take today.
3. Set a Check-In Point: Schedule a moment to reflect—whether it’s a week from now or at the end of the day.
4. Adjust and Repeat: Use your reflection to tweak the plan and take the next step.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s momentum. And with each cycle, you’ll get closer to your desired outcome.

ICYMI

40-door owner Amelia McGee offers insight that resonates with all creators on our Level Up Creators Podcast.

Why not follow me on LinkedIn for daily, tactical business support?

Next Week

Our Mental Models series continues with a secret to help you through any awkward family or business moment. 

- Amanda

At Level Up Creators, we help build and grow recurring revenue businesses for creators and digital thought leaders. 
You can work with us at Level Up Creators—done-for-you consulting.     👉 Discover our creator packages | Explore our services to level up your business.

And Level Up Creator School—1:1 coaching in a small group setting.
If you're looking to accelerate growth and turn your passion into profit, Creator School has the tools and community to get you there faster.
👉 Learn more and join Creator School.

Want to chat or connect?
I’d love to hear from you! You can book a call with me, or let’s connect on LinkedIn.