The Problem with Waiting Until You “Feel Ready”

Spoiler: You’ll Probably Never Feel 100% Ready

I used to believe that one day, I’d wake up and just know it was time. That I’d feel completely confident, fully prepared, and ready to take the leap—whether it was starting a new project, making a big decision, or stepping into something unknown.

But that day never came.

Instead, I learned that waiting to feel ready is the fastest way to stay stuck.

If you’re waiting for the perfect moment—when you have more experience, more confidence, more clarity—you might be waiting forever.

Why Readiness is a Myth

We often think that readiness is about reaching a certain milestone—like when we hit a certain age, gain more knowledge, or feel a surge of confidence. But in reality:

•Confidence comes from doing, not waiting. You don’t gain confidence before you take action; you gain it because you take action.

•There’s no “perfect time” to start. Life won’t pause for you to feel ready. Circumstances will never be exactly right.

•Fear and doubt don’t magically disappear. No matter how much you prepare, uncertainty will always be there. The key is learning to move forward despite it.

Think about it: Some of the most successful people in the world started before they felt ready. They took the leap while feeling unsure, scared, and unqualified.

The Cost of Waiting

Every time you tell yourself “I’ll do it when I’m ready,” what you’re really saying is “I’ll do it never.” Because that feeling of readiness you’re waiting for? It’s just procrastination in disguise.

•You miss out on growth. Experience is the best teacher, but you can’t learn if you never start.

•You waste time overthinking. Instead of making progress, you’re stuck in a cycle of “what-ifs.”

•Opportunities slip away. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to talk yourself out of it.

So… What Should You Do Instead?

1.Take the first step, even if it’s small. You don’t need a perfect plan—just momentum.

2.Accept that feeling unprepared is part of the process. Everyone feels this way at some point.

3.Remind yourself: Action builds confidence. You’ll never feel ready before you start, but you’ll gain confidence because you started.

Final Thought: Start Now, Adjust Later

Think about something you’ve been putting off because you’re waiting to feel ready. Now, ask yourself:

•What’s the smallest step I can take today?

•What if I just tried instead of overthinking?

•Where would I be a year from now if I started today instead of waiting?

The truth is, future you isn’t waiting for you to feel ready. They’re waiting for you to begin.

So stop waiting. Just start.