If you’re here, reading this, I want you to know something first: I see you. You’re not alone in wondering if you’re ready. And you’re not wrong for feeling uncertain. But what if the uncertainty isn’t a red flag; what if that feeling is a good thing? Because it is; it’s a sign that something important is beginning to shift.
We’ve been trained that being ready for something should feel like confidence. Like knowing all the steps in advance. Like being bulletproof.
But in real life, being ready feels more like a tug in your gut. A whisper that says, “This matters.” It feels like paying attention. Like caring more than you can explain.
And sometimes, it feels like fear. That’s okay. Not all fear is bad. There’s healthy fear, the kind that shows up when something matters. And there’s unhealthy fear, the kind that keeps you small because it’s trying to protect you from discomfort. Your fear means you’re on the edge of something new, and it’s a choice as to what you will do with it.
That’s where I come in. Let me show you what readiness really looks like – so you can stop waiting for permission you don’t need, and make good choices.
- You’re Asking Bigger Questions Than You Used To
If you’re starting to ask:
- “Am I still energized by the work I’m doing?”
- “Am I leading in a way that reflects who I really am, or just who I think they want me to be?”
- “What am I avoiding because it’s easier than being real?”
That’s not doubt. That’s growth knocking on your door. You are ready for your next level.
Readiness often begins with the realization that something isn’t working like it used to. The questions get bigger because you’re getting bigger.
- You’re Uncomfortable in a New Way
Not the “this airplane seat is horrible” kind of discomfort. More like the “my life doesn’t quite fit anymore, and I don’t know what to do with that” kind of discomfort.
That’s a sign. You’re stretching.
Leaders who are actually ready tend to feel a little awkward. That’s because they’re leaving behind what they’ve mastered and reaching for what matters more.
You’re not behind. You’re just in between.
- You’re Noticing What Others Miss
You’ve started seeing patterns. You catch cultural blind spots. You hear the words that don’t match the values.
This isn’t because you’re overly critical. It’s because you care. And when you start seeing what others tolerate, it’s a cue that you’re ready to lead something more aligned.
Spoiler: people who are not ready tend to just complain. People who are ready start imagining what could be different.
- You Feel a Nudge You Can’t Explain
You know the one. The tiny voice that says:
“Say yes.”
“Raise your hand.”
“Ask the question.”
Even when it doesn’t make sense. Even when it makes you sweat a little.
That nudge is readiness in motion. It doesn’t come with a checklist. It just asks for your attention.
And the more you listen, the more you hear it.
- You’re Tired of Pretending
You’ve gotten really good at doing what’s expected. And maybe even succeeding at it.
But lately? It’s not fulfilling. It’s not honest. It’s not you.
The exhaustion isn’t from the workload. It’s from wearing a version of yourself that doesn’t quite fit anymore.
When you’re tired of performing and ready to reconnect, that’s not a breakdown. That’s a signal.
Your Next Clear Move™:
Pick one of the signs that hit home. Write it down. Name the situation where it’s showing up for you right now.
Then ask: What’s one thing I can do this week to act from that readiness – even if it’s just a small step?
And if you’re still not sure?
Here’s a shortcut: If you’re reading this article and thinking “this might be me,” you’re probably more ready than you’ve been giving yourself credit for.
You don’t have to do this alone. You don’t have to wait for someone else to validate your next step. You’re not behind; you’re on the edge of something important. And readiness? It’s already in you, because you are ready.
If your organization is full of high-capacity people who don’t feel ready, but absolutely are, let’s talk.
The Readiness Reset™ keynote and Readiness Labs are designed to reconnect leaders to their own clarity and capacity. Because when we stop waiting and start aligning, everything shifts.
