Take the Leap: Start Before You Feel Ready

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It’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting for the right moment, for the stars to align or until you “feel” ready before you take action.

You tell yourself that you need more time, more information, or more resources before you can begin. 

The truth is there may never be a “right” time and you might never “feel” ready.

Looking back at some of the most impactful decisions of my life, I can honestly say they scared the shit out of me.

No matter how hard I prepared, researched or tried to “figure it out” it still felt like a leap.

And you know what? It still does sometimes. But now, I see it differently.

Life is uncertain.

It’s impossible to avoid the pain of uncertainty, but you can learn to embrace it and let it fuel your growth.

Table of Contents

• The Problem

• Why It Matters

  • The Personal Impact

  • Leadership Impact

• How to Start Before You Feel Ready

• Summary

• Thought Provoker

The Problem

The longer you wait, the more daunting it feels.

Self-doubt creeps in, and you start questioning your abilities. 

You watch others forge ahead while you remain stuck in the “planning,” never taking that crucial first step.

Our brains are wired to survive, avoid pain and conserve energy. That means sticking with what we are familiar with, even if it isn’t serving us.¹

This evolutionary trait has kept our ancestors safe from potential dangers but today it keeps us stuck.

For most people, change doesn’t happen until the thought of continuing the same way is SO painful that they have to change.

When we face new challenges or pursue a goal, our minds often trick us into believing that we need to be fully prepared before taking action. 

But is this really the case?

Waiting for the perfect moment to start can actually be counterproductive. 

Research shows the longer we postpone taking action, the more our brains adapt to the comfort of inaction, making it harder to break free from the cycle of procrastination.²

The truth is, there's no such thing as being 100% ready. 

Life is full of uncertainties, and if we wait for the stars to align perfectly, we might never start at all.

Why It Matters

When we expose ourselves to discomfort and take action, even when we don't feel ready, we trigger a cascade of neural changes that enhance our resilience, adaptability, and growth mindset.³

The science behind this phenomenon lies in the concept of neuroplasticity – our brain's ability to rewire itself in response to new experiences and challenges.

If you’re waiting for the right time, you are most likely scared and that’s OK.  

The more something matters to you, the scarier it can feel.

And that doesn’t change at any age.

If you’re scared, it’s probably a great indicator that you’re onto something BIG. 

Courage is recognizing your fears and choosing to forge ahead anyway.

Research shows that courage is not just an innate trait, but a skill that can be developed.⁴ (Learn more here)

Stop waiting for the stars to align. They may never. Decide to take action and become the unstoppable force that shapes YOUR universe.

The Personal Impact

On a personal level, starting before you feel ready can help you overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and discover hidden strengths. 

When you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you create opportunities for learning and growth that would otherwise remain untapped. 

By starting before you feel ready, you’re not just taking action, you’re rewiring your brain and building confidence.

Leadership Impact

As a leader, making tough decisions with the information you have is essential. Waiting for perfect clarity can lead to missed opportunities and delays.

Research shows that leaders who act quickly, even with incomplete data, help their companies grow faster.⁵

Take Action

How to Start Before You Feel Ready

Reframe your mindset
Challenge the belief that you need to be 100% ready before starting. Remind yourself that taking action, even if imperfect, is the key to learning and progress.

Recognize Uncertainty is Unavoidable 
Acknowledge that uncertainty is a natural part of life and business. Accepting this can reduce anxiety and help you move forward with confidence.

Set Micro Goals
Divide your goal or project into smaller, manageable steps. Focus on taking action on the first step, rather than overwhelming yourself with the entire journey.

Break Down Fear 
Identify your specific fears and break them down into manageable parts. Addressing each part individually makes them less daunting.

Seek Support
Surround yourself with people who encourage and inspire you to step outside your comfort zone. Join communities or find mentors who can offer guidance and accountability.

Summary

Starting before you feel ready is a powerful mindset shift that can unlock huge growth in life and business.

By embracing discomfort, taking action, and reframing your perspective, you can overcome the fear of uncertainty make meaningful progress.

Key Takeaways

– Our brains are wired to seek comfort, but growth happens when we embrace discomfort

– Neuroplasticity allows our brains to rewire themselves in response to new challenges

– Starting before you feel ready builds self-efficacy, resilience, and adaptability

Ideas for Action

– Identify one small action you can take today towards your goal

– Find an accountability partner to support and encourage you

– Reframe your mindset and focus on learning instead of “feeling” ready

Thought Provoker

Remember, our brain is wired to avoid uncertainty, so even when you know this stuff it can still be easy to fall into the trap.

Learning to recognize it as part of the process can make it a huge difference.

With appreciation,
Rey

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References:

1. Bullmore E, Sporns O. The economy of brain network organization. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2012

2. Steel, P. (2007). The nature of procrastination: A meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure. Psychological Bulletin

3. Draganski, B., Gaser, C., Busch, V., Schuierer, G., Bogdahn, U., & May, A. (2004). Neuroplasticity: Changes in grey matter induced by training. Nature

4. Kramer, A., & Zinbarg, R. (2018). Recalling courage: An initial test of a brief writing intervention to activate a ‘courageous mindset’ and courageous behavior. The Journal of Positive Psychology

5. McKinsey & Company. (2020). "Decision-making in uncertain times: How leaders can seize opportunities for growth."
   https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/strategy-and-corporate-finance/our-insights/decision-making-in-uncertain-times