Marin Clark

Two weeks postpartum, I found myself in a moment of chaos and contradiction: squeezing my still healing, sleep-deprived body into a professional skirt, trying to muster confidence for a job interview. My newborn had woken me every two hours the night before, my emotions were all over the map and I was still learning how to be a parent. As I walked into the office, every step felt like a test of my physical endurance, mental clarity and the sheer will it took to show up.

I didn’t get the job that day. At the time, it stung. But as I look back, I realize that interview wasn’t just a test of my qualifications — it was proof, to both the potential employer and myself, that I could show up even when the odds weren’t in my favor. That day, I planted a seed for future opportunities and, more importantly, redefined what success looked like for me in that moment.

As we move into a new year, I think about the lessons from that experience. It wasn’t about perfection; it was about resilience and taking advantage of opportunities even when the timing wasn’t ideal. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most valuable beginnings happen when we least feel prepared.

The truth is, most of us don’t feel ready when big opportunities arise. There’s always something (timing, circumstances, self-doubt) that tells us to wait, to prepare more, to feel “ready.” But that moment, two weeks postpartum, taught me an important lesson: waiting for readiness isn’t as important as showing up.

In this industry, much like life, conditions are rarely perfect. Weather shifts and clients’ visions change on a dime. Yet, we still show up with shovels in hand and a plan to make things work. The same mindset applies to seizing opportunities and pushing ourselves to grow, even when we feel unprepared.

It’s tempting to think that preparation means having every detail figured out. In reality, preparation is often about mindset. It’s about building resilience and adaptability so that when opportunities come, you can navigate the challenges, even if you’re not at 100%.

One way I’ve learned to prepare for those opportunities is by cultivating a strong support system. After that interview, I realized I couldn’t do everything alone. Whether it’s leaning on a business partner for insight, asking a mentor for advice or relying on family for help with my kids, having people in your corner makes it easier to say “yes” to the things that scare you.

One of the most valuable things I’ve learned in this industry is that confidence doesn’t come from having all the answers — it comes from trusting yourself to figure them out.

It’s a lesson I try to pass on to my now six-year-old daughter. When she gets frustrated and says, “I can’t,” I remind her to reframe it: “I can’t right now, but I can figure things out.” That subtle shift changes everything. It acknowledges the challenge while leaving room for growth and possibility. And really, isn’t that what confidence is? Not pretending we have it all together but believing in our ability to find a way forward.

As we head into a new year, it’s the perfect time to set goals, but don’t be afraid to pivot when circumstances change.

And most importantly, don’t let the fear of being unprepared hold you back. None of us are ever truly ready for the most meaningful moments in our lives. The best we can do is show up, take the first step and trust ourselves to figure it out along the way.

Women in Landscaping is a column brought to you in partnership with the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Marin Clark is an active member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals Women in Landscape Network (powered by Stanley Black and Decker) which provides a forum for industry professionals to support each other’s professional growth. The Network is free to all industry professionals.