Being Ready is a Decision, Not a Feeling

Let's talk about being ready.

Ready to lead a larger org.

Ready to take on a stretch assignment.

Ready to speak up with an alternative perspective.

Ready for a tough conversation.

Ready to launch your own business.

What does it mean to be ready?

What are the characteristics of being ready?

Today I want to challenge us to think about “being ready” as a decision, not just a feeling.

Think about the largest decisions you've faced: to have kids, to get a dog, to make a career change, to move.

How long did you sit thinking about your readiness? What were the indicators you were waiting for before you took action?

Did the universe ever tap on your shoulder and say, “ok, NOW, you're ready”?

If you're like me, that tap very rarely comes.

Instead, you stewed. You took some steps to ensure logistics were feasible, you recognized there's never a convenient time for most significant changes, and then you took the leap.

You decided. You committed. You went for it.

We see this in the largest instances in our life, and it's time to shine a light on how we can do this as leaders and in business.

Where are you waiting to be ready?

Where are you telling yourself your people aren't ready?

Pause here. Truly. Write it down if you can.

What are you telling yourself you're still needing to be ready?

What are you telling yourself your people are needing to be ready?

What would “ready” actually feel like?

Is that feeling possible or is it our safety instinct hold us back from action?

What's the decision you need to make?

Is it putting your name in the hat for an opportunity?

Is it a development conversation with a team member?

Is it making a strategic decision?

Will you decide today? Will you leap? Will you commit?