… and what to do if you’re not yet ready

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There’s always a good reason not to begin.

Target anxiety hesitation. I want to do something that matters, I want to find my next big thing. But I haven’t yet fully and perfectly and completely and unambiguously defined exactly what I’m going to do. I’ll just think a little more. (Sometimes presents as “I need guaranteed success” hesitation.)

Wrong people hesitation. I can’t do this alone, so I’m waiting for my people to show up. Or, I can only do this alone, so I’m waiting for all these people to leave. 

Loose ends hesitation. Sure, you’ll get to the thing that matters. Just after you’ve done the to-do list and emptied the inbox. And the vacuuming. And wallpapering the spare bedroom. And then re-vacuuming the spare bedroom.

Horizon hesitation. What you’ve committed to becomes properly clear … and you’re pretty sure you’ve made a terrible mistake. It’s what? It’s how big? It’s how hard? (See “Michael and Cotopaxi” photo, above.)

Diving board hesitation. You're right on the edge … you’re so so close … but back away. (I will always love this.)

You’re never perfectly ready

But that doesn’t mean you’re not ready. Perhaps it’s time.

To take your best guess.

To take your first steps.

To experiment and see what’s possible.

To say No to some parts of Present You and Yes to some parts of Future You.

To listen to my friend Seth Godin 🌔 , who wrote: 

“Beginning is underrated. Merely beginning. With inadequate preparation, because you will never be fully prepared. With imperfect odds of success, because the odds are never perfect. Begin. With the humility of someone who’s not sure, and the excitement of someone who knows that it’s possible.” 

So … what are you ready to begin? 

(Psst … Remember, if you want help with this, in my How to Begin course I coach you up to and over the starting line of whatever it is you are wanting to try. And if you’re looking for help getting over a finish line, check out One Last Thing below.) 

If not now, when? (That’s not rhetorical. Now might not be the time. But when would be the time for you?)