Building on What’s Already There
The Illusion of Starting from Scratch
There’s something deeply overwhelming about the idea of starting over. Whether it’s a new job, a career shift, a fresh project, or even just learning something unfamiliar—it often feels like we’re back at square one. That feeling alone can be enough to make us hesitate… or stop completely.
But sometimes, we’re not starting from scratch at all—we’re just continuing the journey on different terrain.
An Unexpected Analogy at the Dentist
I recently had a visit to the dentist. One of my old, faithful chewing teeth had cracked in three places over time. Bit by bit, it had chipped away until only a small corner and the root remained. I’d already resigned myself to the fact that it would need to be extracted. End of the line, right?
But to my surprise, the dentist looked, hummed, and said, “We’ll build on what’s already there.”
Apparently, the base of the tooth was solid, unmoved, and still dependable. Rather than removing it, she decided to build a new cap on top, using what was already strong and stable.
That struck me. Not just about dentistry, but about life.
Depression, Loss, and Rediscovery
When depression sets in and grinds you down, it can feel like you’ve been broken into pieces too. Bit by bit, you lose parts of yourself—your confidence, your drive, your identity. Eventually, you look in the mirror and barely recognise who you are.
But just like that tooth, the base is still there.
The real me—the experienced, capable me—is still present, even if a little worn down. I might not be where I used to be, but I haven’t lost everything. I don’t need to tear it all out and start again. I can build on what I have.
From Student to Accountant (and Beyond)
At 16, I hadn’t even heard of accountancy, let alone sat the exams or dealt with HMRC software nightmares. But I had a foundation: the experience of learning, the ability to work hard, and the desire to do well.
That foundation helped me climb up and become a qualified accountant. And now? Even if I wanted to change careers or learn something new, I’m not starting from zero. I have years of life, learning, and resilience to build on.
It’s not Go on the Monopoly board—I’ve done several laps already. Maybe I’m not on Mayfair, maybe I’ve passed “Income Tax” one too many times… but I’m still moving. Still building.
You’re Closer Than You Think
If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re starting over, I want to say this: you’re probably a lot further along than you realise. Your base is solid. It may be tired, cracked, or buried—but it’s still there.
You’ve done hard things before. You can do them again. And no matter how low you feel, you’re closer to the top than you think. Keep building, one step at a time.
“I have done it! What a feeling, I have achieved something today, this week, this year. I have blogged today.”
Thanks for stopping by – Have a good day!
The Depressed Accountant™