Are you a founder, leader, or dreamer who has been putting off pursuing your goals because you don't feel ready yet? If so, you're not alone. Many of us struggle with feeling like we have to be completely ready before we can take action. But the truth is, you don't have to delay going after your dreams.
When I started my first business, Sprinkles, there was nothing ideal about the timing. It wasn't like I had suddenly come up with a brilliant business plan and found the perfect time to execute it. To the contrary, the market was in a recession and it was the height of the low carb diet craze; yet I wanted to open an upscale cupcake shop. By anyone's estimation, it was a really bad time to start a new venture, particularly in an industry in which I had absolutely no experience. To be honest, I had no idea how I was going to pull it off.
There was nothing perfect or right about the timing of me starting Sprinkles. I just started talking about what I was going to do even though I didn't know how I was going to pull it off yet.
My dream to create Sprinkles seemed like a far off fantasy, but instead of hiding behind my doubts and insecurities I simply started speaking about my plans out loud.
If I had waited to feel ready and for the stars to align, I might have been waiting forever. The “perfect time” is a myth; It’s a protective lie we tell ourselves to avoid the hard and vulnerable work of going after something we really want. That's why so many people find themselves stuck waiting on - rather than working towards - their dreams and goals.
Speaking my creation into being helped me build momentum around my plans and gave me a platform from which to launch my new venture. My willingness to dive in headfirst despite not having all the answers led to the creation of something incredibly special: Sprinkles Cupcakes! Something that could never have been achieved by waiting until everything felt secure.
It's time to stop waiting and start taking action on your dreams to avoid regrets later. It's hard and it's scary but regret is harder.
It's time to stop waiting and start taking action on your dreams to avoid regrets later. It's hard and it's scary, but regret is harder. The truth is, there will never be a perfect time and you will never feel fully ready. The only way you can make progress on your goals is by taking action now, even if it feels overwhelming or uncertain. The key is to start before you’re ready.
If you feel like you're nowhere near ready to pursue your goals, I get it and I got you! Here are five actionable ways to start taking action:
Start before you’re ready. It helps to share your plans with the world. Speaking your intentions out loud makes them more real and gives them weight. Sharing them with others can also help keep you accountable and motivated.
Break big goals into smaller steps. Breaking down your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks makes them less daunting. By focusing on one step at a time, you can make steady progress towards your ultimate goal.
Surround yourself with supportive people. Having friends, family, or mentors who believe in you and your goals can provide invaluable support and encouragement, especially during tough times. Build your own personal advisory board from the people who know you and will cheer you on.
Create a schedule: Scheduling specific tasks and goals can help you stay on track and focused. By having a plan in place, you can avoid distractions and make consistent progress. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hit all your deadlines. Give yourself some grace and keep on going.
Don't be afraid to fail. Failure is fundamental to every meaningful journey. Instead of seeing it as a setback, use it as an opportunity to learn, build resilience and grow. Mistakes provide valuable lessons and help you refine your approach to achieving your goals.
You can do this! Leave a comment for me and the Sweet Success community with a goal you plan to start working toward today…
Needed this reminder! Fear holds me back too much but I'm determined to get out of my comfort zone this year! Competed in HYROX last weekend (no way I would have done something like that last year!!) and headed to FL this weekend for the American Pie Council Championship (eekkkkk!!!!)
My goal this year is to get some wholesale accounts in my area. This seems overwhelming to me, but trying to break it down into smaller actionable steps like you said.
This was the perfect time to read this particular newsletter...thanks!