Today I want to talk about something that shows up for almost every leader I know.
Never really feeling ready.
It is such a common experience for people who are doing big work. The people who want to grow, to lead, to impact, to innovate, to help others in a meaningful way. And yet, so many of us quietly carry that feeling of never quite being competent enough or accomplished enough to step into the moment in front of us.
Standing on a Stage and Not Feeling Ready
On Friday night, I had the incredible honour of standing on a stage at the Waikato Chamber of Commerce Awards to accept the Emerging Leader award. It was a beautiful event and a very special moment.
But as I walked up onto that stage, I did not feel ready.
I did not feel like I should be there.
And I know I am not alone.
Every person who stood on that stage has likely felt a version of that same feeling. Because when you are pushing boundaries, when you are developing something new, when you are trying to elevate people and culture or scale your business so you can give back, you rarely feel like you have arrived.
Readiness Is Not the Goal
Receiving praise or an award does not make the feeling disappear.
Because the point is not to feel ready.
The point is to let the moment propel you forward.
If you are committed to growth and impact, that sense of readiness may never land. And that is actually a good thing. It means you are stretching, evolving, and stepping into spaces that matter.
The Power of People Who Take Action
One thing I have learned this year is that it becomes so much easier when you surround yourself with people who also take action before they feel ready.
People who are brave.
People who try anyway.
People who keep moving even when it is hard.
That energy is contagious. It keeps the momentum going.
My Own Leap Forward
For the past year, I have been building something that extends from the work I have done for a decade. It has taken time, thought, commitment, and more courage than I expected.
And I am just going to launch it.
I have picked a date. The first of December.
I am not ready.
But I am doing it anyway.
Because if I wait until the moment I feel fully prepared, I will miss the chance to help the people who need it. And I do not want to let anyone down, including myself.
A Gentle Push for You
So here is my stake in the ground.
I do not feel ready.
And I am going ahead anyway.
If you are someone who cares deeply about growth and impact, you might never feel ready either. And that is perfectly normal.
Whatever it is that is sitting on your heart, whatever you know could make a real difference for people, just start. Start small. Start this week. Even thirty minutes of focused energy can move you forward.
It is a busy time of year, but your future self will be grateful.
So despite the fact that you might not feel ready, do it anyway.
Have a great week and enjoy your coffee.