I was recently on a training course, and one of the participants said something that stuck with me “Do things before you’re ready.” I thought about this, and it couldn’t be more true.
Today I want to focus on the importance of doing things before you’re ready. This is an extremely powerful trait because, let’s face it, you’re never ready!
I’ve been following this model for nearly 20 years. I’ve been doing things before I was ready since I was 14 and wanted to be an assistant ski instructor. First, I didn’t even know how to ski, let alone instruct anyone… And I was 14.
Similar stories have pushed me to break new barriers, which you will hear throughout this post.
Some basic examples of doing things before you’re ready; applying for that new job, starting to invest your money, volunteering for the program, going back to school, changing careers, taking a new training course, asking that person out, and saying no to your boss.
The list can be endless, but that’s the point. Where would you go if you waited to do things until you were ready? Nowhere…
You would stay in the same place for months, years, and decades.
Sadly, this happens to many people.
Getting stuck in their head with fears, failures, judgments, and stress.
Not taking any chances and not starting anything new.
It takes courage to start before you’re ready—heart and, most importantly, belief.
The belief in yourself that you can and will do it.
In 2014 I found myself starting something before I was ready. A friend and I were toying with competing in a fitness show.
Neither of us had done or thought we would ever pursue it. We loved going to the gym, lifting weights, and having fun.
We were both in our 20s and in great shape from years of training. But we felt like the elite of the regular gym and didn’t have much more else to push us further.
We stumbled on several bodybuilding shows, watched them, and started thinking of a new idea.
In early 2014 we went all in.
We both decided to compete in the same fitness show in Men’s Physique (more of a beach body style rather than bodybuilding).
Were we ready to do something like this at the time?
Absolutely not!
We had no idea what we were doing: no contacts, no resources, little knowledge.
But we had passion, motivation, and each other. So we said, let’s go.
That one decision I made in 2014 changed my life.
I placed 2nd in a competitive show, and my friend placed 3rd in another group.
For the following 5 years, I competed in various shows. Chasing my passion for fitness and drive to compete at the highest level.
I never would have guessed that would have led me here. Writing a book on health and living a value of health daily.
If you want the promotion, the body, the status, and the relationship, you must go all in.
No more being flakey with one foot in and one out. Just dive in head first into the freezing cold ocean.
You’ll figure it out; you always have.
My life has been filled with starting before I was ready, from flying helicopters to maintaining them, from fitness competitions to saving money, to giving money.
I always had jumped into situations before I was ready - and you should too.
If something inside of you is a bit tense and uneasy, that’s the right direction to go.
While your body is trying to keep you “safe” at all times, you must follow that little voice and intuition that scares you.
If your heart starts to race and you get nervous, that’s the sweet spot.
Find a like-minded friend, colleague, or family member to do it with. Accountability works wonders.
It’s not about motivation. It’s about discipline and how hungry you are.
So, my question to you is - what will you start before you’re ready?
Book a FREE 45-minute Career Strategy Session with me here.
Chris M Wilson
Chris M Wilson is a career coach, entrepreneur, blogger, author, creator, and doer. He is passionate about helping people leave the job they hate and jump into their dream careers!
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