How many times have we postponed a project, a conversation, or a dream by telling ourselves: “I’m not ready yet”? It’s a phrase that comforts us, giving the illusion that one day — when the stars align — we will finally take action. But the truth is, that day almost never comes. Waiting for perfection is a trap. What if, instead of trying to be ready, we dared to simply be real?

Why waiting to be ready is an illusion

Society conditions us to believe we must have all the answers before we act: a flawless plan, perfect skills, unshakable confidence. Yet no success story ever began this way. The entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders we admire didn’t wait for the perfect preparation. They stepped into the unknown with doubts and fears — but also with authenticity.

Waiting to be ready only delays our growth. It confuses safety with alignment. True strength doesn’t come from control but from the courage to move forward with who we are, right here, right now.

Being real: an act of courage

Being real doesn’t mean revealing everything or oversharing. It means daring to show up as yourself, without the mask. It’s about admitting you don’t have all the answers, that you might be afraid, that you are still learning. And it’s precisely this vulnerability that inspires others.

We often think people expect perfection from us. In reality, what they long for is sincerity. Sincerity builds trust, and trust opens doors to opportunities.

Three keys to moving forward without waiting

1. Replace “I’m not ready” with “I’ll start with what I have.”
   Every step, even imperfect, builds the path ahead. Courage doesn’t come before action ; it’s born in action.

2. Turn fear into fuel.
   Fear is the sign that something truly matters. Instead of running from it, use it as energy to move forward.

3. Choose authenticity over performance.
   When you lead with your heart, even if things aren’t perfect, you connect far more deeply than with a polished but empty performance.

Life doesn’t wait for us to be ready. It happens in the present, with all its uncertainties and surprises. So next time you hear yourself saying “I’m not ready”, remember this: you don’t need to be ready. You need to be real.

And you? What dream, conversation, or project are you still postponing because you believe you must be more prepared first?