Let’s be honest: the phrase “I’m not ready yet” has probably stolen more dreams than failure ever will.
Maybe you’re waiting for more experience. Or more time. Or a sign from the universe. I get it—because I’ve been there too. But if there’s one truth I’ve learned as a personal development coach working with young individuals striving to win in life and business, it’s this:
You’ll never feel fully ready. But when you just start, everything begins to change.
The Readiness Myth Is Holding You Back
You Think You Need More—But You Don’t
There’s a dangerous myth out there that says you need to have everything figured out before you begin. Whether it’s starting a business, pursuing a passion, or leveling up your fitness, we’ve been sold the idea that preparation = perfection.
But let me tell you something real: action beats planning every time.
When I started Permission Free Living, I was far from ready. I didn’t have a plan, fancy website, a big following, or even a full curriculum. What I had was one thing: the conviction that I could help people. And that was enough. I started small—with just one client—and learned as I went.
That first imperfect step led to starting a platform where I have the potential to help dozens or even thousands of people.
“Ready” Is Just Fear in Disguise
Fear wears a lot of masks. One of the sneakiest? Readiness.
We say we’re not ready, but what we really mean is:
- I’m afraid to fail.
- I don’t want to look stupid.
- I’m scared of what people will think.
Guess what? Everyone feels that. Even the greats.
What separates winners from wishers is that they just start, even when it’s messy, scary, or uncertain. Most people study successful people when they are already successful and look like they have it all together. The best place to study them is where they started. Success leaves clues.
The Real Cost of Waiting
Every Day You Wait, You Lose Time
Let’s do a little thought experiment. Imagine if you had started working on that idea 6 months ago. Where would you be right now?
Even small steps, when taken daily, compound. That’s the power of momentum. When you delay action, you’re not preserving safety—you’re losing time, energy, and potential.
We all know plenty of people who have ideas for starting a business but keep saying they need to learn “just one more thing” before launching, or they are waiting for the right moment. Meanwhile, a friend or someone they knew ran with a similar idea—messy, unpolished, but alive. Within months, that person had paying customers. How about them? Still stuck in research mode.
Regret Hurts More Than Failure
Failure teaches. Regret lingers.
I’ve yet to meet someone who regretted trying. But I’ve met many who regretted waiting too long.
When you just start, you give yourself the chance to learn, improve, and pivot. But when you do nothing, you only gain more doubt.
Action Creates Clarity
You Figure It Out by Doing
There’s something magical about momentum—it gives you feedback fast.
When you act, you realize what works and what doesn’t. You don’t need to map out every possible step. You need to move.
Think of it like driving through fog. Your headlights don’t show you the whole road, but they show you enough to keep going. One decision at a time. That’s how you build something real.
Mistakes Are Your Greatest Mentors
Perfectionism lies to you. It says you need to avoid mistakes. But the truth is, mistakes are how we grow.
Some of my best coaching breakthroughs didn’t come from textbooks or theory. They came from real conversations with real people—some that went amazingly, others that bombed. Each one taught me something I couldn’t have learned otherwise.
How to Start (Even If You’re Scared)
Break It Down
If your goal feels overwhelming, shrink it.
Want to write a book? Write 200 words today.
Want to start a business? Talk to one potential customer.
Want to get fit? Do five pushups right now.
Big goals shrink when you take micro-steps. The key is to just start small, consistently.
Make Action a Habit, Not a Feeling
Waiting for motivation is a trap. Instead, create a bias toward action.
Here’s a trick I use: whenever I catch myself hesitating, I ask, “What’s the smallest next step I can take right now?” Then I do it.
Over time, this trains your brain to value momentum over perfection.
Real People Who Just Started
Let’s talk about a few people who made the leap.
- Alex Hormozi, now a successful entrepreneur and investor, often talks about starting with almost nothing—just grit and clarity about who he wanted to serve. He launched small, failed, adjusted, and grew.
- Marie Forleo, a life coach and author, started her business while bartending and teaching dance classes. She didn’t have a roadmap—she had action.
These people aren’t unicorns. They aren’t smarter or naturally talented. They’re just like you. They didn’t wait until it was perfect. They chose to just start.
The Long-Term Power of Starting Today
Momentum Builds Confidence
The first step feels hard. The second feels easier. By the tenth, you’re flying.
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build through courageous action.
Your Legacy Starts Now
Every day you take action, you’re shaping the future version of yourself. Whether it’s your career, relationships, finances, or fitness—it all begins with a decision to stop waiting and just start.
Your legacy doesn’t start “someday.” It starts today.
Final Thoughts: There’s Magic in Starting Before You’re Ready
Here’s the hard truth: perfect timing is a myth.
The stars won’t align. The fear won’t fully go away. But that’s okay, because everything you’re looking for is on the other side of action.
So take the shot. Start the project. Record the video. Send the message. Make the move.
Because when you just start, the rest falls into place.
References
- Robbins, Tony. Awaken the Giant Within. Free Press, 1991.
- Forleo, Marie. Everything Is Figureoutable. Portfolio, 2019.
- Hormozi, Alex. Acquisition.com Resources
