"You don’t become brave and then act. You act. And that’s how you become brave."

Today’s Ladder:

Why Being Ready Is Overrated

My hands were sweating. My heart was racing.

I was about to lead my first team presentation—and I felt like a fraud.

The night before, I nearly backed out. “You’re not ready,” that voice whispered.

English is not primary language and I was afraid I’ll trip over my words.

But something stronger pushed back: “If you wait to feel ready, you’ll miss the moment.”

So I showed up.

Stumbled over the intro. Fumbled with the slides.

But halfway through, something clicked.

I wasn’t perfect. But I was present.

After the meeting, my boss said, “You carried that with more clarity than most directors I’ve seen.”

I smiled. Not because I nailed it.

But because I proved to myself: confidence doesn’t come before—it comes after the courage.

Show Up Unready

Want to show up before you're ready? Try this:

• Prepare, then speak or press send – Don’t over-perfect. Take the next small brave step.

• Anchor to purpose, not fear – Remember the people who needs you to show up.

• Borrow belief – If you can’t believe in yourself yet, channel the person you admire. Or, the person you want to become.

Most people wait until they feel ready.

You?

Show up when your voice shakes. Show up when your knees wobble.

Show up when your doubt is loud and your plan is blurry. Show up without the fancy title, the perfect timing, or the perfect words.

Show up with what you have. Show up with who you are.

“Because showing up is the first step to becoming the person you’re afraid you’re not.”

Takeaway:

Scared? Good. Step In.

You’re waiting for the perfect moment.

The day you finally feel confident. Prepared. Qualified.

The day the fear disappears and everything clicks into place.

But that day never comes, does it?

You keep telling yourself you need one more credential. One more set of initials after your name. One more person to say, “You’re ready.”

I will not sugarcoat it for you:

“Readiness isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice.”

You grow into it by showing up before you feel it.

The first time you raise your hand, your voice might shake. The first time you lead, doubt might sit in your chest.

But you won’t break. You’ll rise. Because courage doesn’t show up first.

You do.

And every time you take a step before you feel ready, you become the kind of person who’s ready for anything.

So stop waiting.

• Lead now.

• Move now.

• Speak now.

Because you’re not behind—you’re just one bold step ahead of who you used to be.

ICYMI: Links to recent issues

🙌 Why Some People Get Promoted Faster (And How You Can Too)

😡 Change Resistance? Here’s How to Get Your Team Onboard—Fast

🙋🏻‍♂️ How to Navigate Office Politics Without Losing Your Integrity

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️

Founder, Career Ladder | Career MBA