Pick Yourself: The Ultimate Guide to Taking Initiative (Inspired by Poke the Box and Beyond)

Are you waiting for someone to notice your talent, offer you a promotion, or give you permission to start? Seth Godin says: stop waiting. In 'Poke the Box,' he argues that the world is changed by those who pick themselves—who see a gap and step in, who act without waiting for approval.

Picking yourself starts with a mindset shift. Instead of asking, 'Who will let me?' ask, 'How can I start?' The world is full of opportunities for those who are willing to act. Godin shares stories of people who created their own jobs, launched movements, and built brands from scratch—not because they were chosen, but because they chose themselves.

To cultivate this habit, identify small ways to lead in your current role. Volunteer for new projects, solve problems before being asked, and share your ideas openly. Over time, these small acts of initiative build confidence and credibility. The more you start, the more you learn, and the more others will look to you as a leader.

So, don’t wait to be picked. Pick yourself—and watch the world respond.