If I’m being honest, most of the time…I don’t feel ready.
Whether it’s a new opportunity, a big decision, or even sitting down to write something like this—I rarely feel 100% ready. If left to my own devices, I’d keep fine-tuning, researching, adjusting, and second-guessing. I’d wait until everything was “perfect.”
But what I’ve learned on this path is simple and powerful: ready isn’t a feeling—it’s a decision.
The Myth of “Feeling Ready”
We tell ourselves we’ll start when we feel more confident.
We’ll speak up when we feel more prepared.
We’ll leap when we feel less scared.
But the truth is, that feeling of readiness? It doesn’t always show up. And if it does, it usually comes after we’ve already taken action—not before.
The illusion of “readiness” keeps us stuck. We wait, thinking there’s some magical moment where we’ll feel different—bolder, braver, more equipped. But most opportunities don’t wait for us to feel ready.
They ask us to decide to be ready.
The Power of Deciding
In my life, there have been countless times I’ve had to make that decision.
Sometimes it was because of a deadline.
Sometimes it was because an opportunity had an expiration date.
Sometimes I just knew if I didn’t move forward, I’d stay stuck.
And every time, I’ve learned this: I didn’t need to know everything. I just needed to know enough to start.
Being ready doesn’t mean having every answer. It doesn’t mean knowing the full path. It means saying, “I’ve got what I need to take this step, and I’ll figure the next one out as I go.”
Do What’s In Front of Your Hands
One thing I’ve carried with me on my journey is this simple reminder:
Do what’s in front of your hands.
That means staying grounded in the present step—even when your mind wants to jump five steps ahead. Yes, it’s wise to have a vision. I like to look a little ahead, to prepare for what’s coming. But the real growth? It happens in the now.
When you focus on what’s right in front of you—just the next task, the next decision, the next act of courage—you start to build momentum. And that momentum leads to clarity, confidence, and more opportunity.
Progress, Not Perfection
Waiting until you feel ready often comes from a deeper fear of making mistakes. But perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
You’re allowed to make messy starts.
You’re allowed to learn as you go.
You’re allowed to pivot, evolve, and adjust your plan.
Because the truth is, the journey is the point. It’s not about getting it “right” the first time. It’s about moving forward, learning, and becoming.
You’re not behind. You’re not unqualified. You’re simply standing at the edge of the next thing. And all that’s left is to decide to begin.
Make the Decision Today
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to start, here’s your sign: stop waiting.
Make the decision. Be willing to show up before you feel completely ready. Trust that you’ll grow into each next step—and that you already have everything you need to begin.
The truth is, you won’t always feel ready.
But you can always choose to be.
SLAY Reflection
Let’s check in, SLAYER:
- S: What are you currently putting off because you don’t feel “ready”?
- L: What would change if you decided to start anyway?
- A: Can you identify one small step you can take today, even if you don’t feel prepared?
- Y: How can you reframe readiness as a mindset instead of a feeling?
Call to Action: Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear from you.
What’s something you’ve been waiting to feel ready for—and how can you choose to begin today instead?
Share your story in the comments. Let’s cheer each other on.
And if you know someone who’s stuck waiting for the “perfect moment,” send this to them.
Sometimes, all we need is a nudge.
