The Most Dangerous Lie You Can Believe Is That You’re Not Ready.
Not ready to begin. Not ready to create. Not ready to become who you’re here to be.
One of the most deceptive lies we tell ourselves is cleverly disguised. It masquerades as strategy, cloaks itself in perfectionism, and hides behind noble-sounding concepts like alignment, preparation, or divine timing. On the surface, it seems thoughtful, even wise.
But beneath the surface lies a harder truth: we are not lacking in discipline; we are addicted to the illusion of readiness.
I know this because I lived it.
For years, I told myself I would write when the time was right, when I had more clarity, when I felt inspired, when the path forward felt certain. I longed to share ideas that felt true to my soul, words that resonated deeply and honestly.
But each time I sat down to begin, I was met with a quiet, persistent voice that whispered doubts: “You’re not ready.” “You need more time.” “Wait until the vision is perfect.”
So I waited. Weeks turned into months. I consumed more content, convinced myself I was still progressing, and filled notebooks with bullet points, frameworks, and half-formed ideas.
But nothing meaningful was created. I had become excellent at preparing, but I was resistant to starting.
In truth, I had built an identity around readiness, not around creation. I was mistakenly planning for progress. And I was avoiding the one act that builds momentum: doing the work.
Eventually, something in me snapped. I grew tired of my justifications. Instead of chasing a perfect first draft, I committed to a simple rule, write for thirty minutes a day, no matter how uninspired I felt. It wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t romantic. But it was real.
Something shifted, not in the world, but in me.
The brain fog didn’t magically lift. The fear didn’t vanish overnight. But for the first time in a long time, I took a step forward. That small, consistent act of showing up imperfectly and uncertainly began to rebuild something I hadn’t even realised I’d lost: my self-trust.
And that has made all the difference.
Here’s what I want to offer you, if you’re caught in that same loop of hesitation:
1. Clarity comes through action, not before it.
You don’t need more time to prepare. You need to step into the process and let it shape you. Clarity is not a prerequisite. It’s a byproduct. You move forward, and the road rises to meet your feet.
Do this:
Pick the one thing you’ve been avoiding. Block time for it tomorrow. Not someday. Not “when I feel ready.” Tomorrow. Set a timer for twenty-five minutes. Show up like your future depends on it because it does.
2. You build identity through consistency.
You do not become a writer by waiting for inspiration. You become a writer by writing. You do not become confident by thinking about being confident. You build it through repetition, resilience, and following through on your commitments.
Discipline is not punishment. It is devotion.
A sacred act of loyalty to your higher self.
Try this:
Choose one action you can repeat daily: writing, walking, meditating, or learning.
Please keep it simple. Track it. Make it non-negotiable. Let that be your anchor through the chaos.
3. You are allowed to be bad at the beginning.
Nobody tells you this, but it is essential. You will suck at first. You will second-guess yourself. You will feel exposed. That is not a problem. That is the price of growth.
Your ego may resist, but your soul will remember what it means to come alive.
Build this mindset:
Instead of asking, “How do I avoid looking foolish?”
Ask, “Who do I become if I show up anyway?”
Every great creator you admire once sat in your place.
Unsure. Insecure. Unseen.
They just chose to begin.
You don’t lack time.
You don’t lack resources.
You don’t lack ability.
You’ve just trained yourself to wait.
For some imagined moment of alignment that never arrives.
However, your power does not lie in waiting.
Choose the one thing you’ve put off for far too long.
Block time for it.
Set a timer.
Begin messily.
Begin tired.
Begin unclear.
But begin.
The most powerful version of you is already awake. They’re just waiting for you to stop overthinking and take the first step.
Your future self is already watching.
Move now.
With Love, Amit
As a thank you for reading this article, I invite you to grab the free ebooks below.
Keystone Habits
I Almost Quit Social Media And Other Life Lessons
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only. It does not and should not be considered professional advice. Information shared here is current at the time of publication, but may become outdated with time. Please verify details before relying on them. Use your own good judgment and consult a qualified expert before acting according to the information I provide.