The Myth of Being Ready
Great ideas are born every minute, yet so few see the light of day. Why? Because being 'ready' is a myth we've been chasing in vain.
I was listening to a guided meditation titled ‘You’re Ready’, and as someone who generally likes to be left in silence for practice, I was taken aback by how much I got out of the session.
The teacher's opening chat felt like it was written personally for me,
“Some of the best creative ideas never make it out of the idea stage — they never come to fruition, because the process of collapsing infinite possibilities into material reality is simply too daunting. Faced with an unknown amount of work and problem-solving, we tell ourselves that we aren’t “ready” to take the next step.”
I am a planner, the proverbial cat herder of creative ideas. My role often involves turning 'what ifs' into mapped-out plans. I create project trackers and to-do lists that can transform grand visions into actionable steps. This penchant for planning isn't just a professional quirk—it's a necessity for bringing the ideas of creative big thinkers to life. That said, I'm both a participant and an observer in this space, as I myself want to bring ideas to life.
And feeling ‘ready’ and using planning as a staling tactic is one sure fire way to make sure an idea dies on the drafting table.
The journey from eureka to execution is where the real drama unfolds. As the glow of inspiration dims, panic often takes center stage, whispering doubts about the viability of our big dreams. Confession: I’ve been there, staring into the abyss of logistics, letting the thrill of creation morph into a daunting puzzle to solve.
Observing my clients (and, let's be honest, myself) agonize over research, drown in endless meetings, and spiral into the black hole of planning—only to emerge, plans in hand, reshaped by the latest TikTok trend—I see the trap all too well. Despite my own penchant for juggling too many balls, I've learned to embrace a bit of faith and chaos in my process. Diving into the mess without an intense attachment to a single creative identity has freed me to start, stumble, and sometimes sprint with my ideas. It's a balancing act of doing, reflecting, and simplifying that has taught me more than any perfectly executed plan ever could.
Do you find yourself caught in the quicksand of the thinking stage, unable to take that leap forward? You're in good company. This predicament is more common than you might think, and trust me, I've seen it all. There's the change-resistant planner, meticulously crafting plans to avoid any actual change. Then we have the idea assassin, who plans their ideas to death, proving that it was never a good idea from the start. And let's not overlook those too timid to let their ideas be seen, alongside the ‘established’ person who fears that anything new is unsafe and risky.
For some, planning is what makes an insurmountable obstacle or a daunting idea often shrink in significance. But it can just as easily be a trap. There is a time for planning, and there is a time for doing.
Over the years, I have slowly become better at recognizing this in myself and my own work. It is one reason I think I was drawn to meditation training; it helped me acknowledge my anxious mind. By allowing myself and my body time to release and be present, it suddenly made progress easier. It helps to reset and realize that the significant intimidating problem or idea is often not as threatening or scary in the grand scheme of things.
I am far from perfect, but meditation wasn't just about finding a slice of peace; it was a deliberate choice to confront my anxiety head-on. Allowing myself moments to simply be, to exist without the weight of perpetual planning. When I am consistent, it helps me transform the way I approach both life and work.
In the guided meditation, Olivia shares that meditation can "train your nervous system to embrace uncertainty," which I agree with, simply through experience. But let's not portray meditation as the cure-all magic pill for hesitation—although, hats off, it's a solid start. No matter how you choose to work through your feelings, the truth is, you might never feel fully prepared.
Being 'ready' is more a state of action than a state of mind.
So, now what? At some point, you need to take action. The good news is, it doesn't have to be a leap. The simple act of taking one small action today means you are ready because you are facing your fear and choosing to be courageous and act.
I cannot promise that it will work or be perfect. I cannot promise you that it will be easy or even worth it. But what I can tell you is that you will be proud that you took a chance, even if you fail. And we are allowed to do that. You are allowed to fail, change your mind, restart, or even quit if it really is not for you.
“Let go of the need to feel fearless. There is no ideal future time to do something hard.”
What incremental action can you take today towards your idea?
Five ways I help myself bring my ideas to life as a creative are:
Blocking time for creative space: I found that unless I put the time in my calendar I let other things priority. Fridays are reserved for what I call “Future Work”—basically my code for letting my brain run wild without adult supervision. It’s when I schedule time to chase ideas down rabbit holes, or finally finish them. This method is also how I was able to ‘finally’ make time for writing.
Mindful of what my brain consumers: I consume creativity and business content like it’s my job—because, well, it kind of is. I’ve got subscriptions to Skillshare and Masterclass, because they’re a great way to learn or explore new ideas. I do you YouTube a lot for learning, but am mindful that as a social media platform if can lead to browsing and distraction. I cut down on social media time when it starts feeling like everyone’s selling snake oil or making me play the comparison game.
I Journal: My journaling habit is sporadic but surprisingly effective. It’s the place where my half-baked ideas and anxieties go to either die or get resolved. Scribbling in my journal, which conveniently lives on my desk, helps me sift through the mental clutter. It’s therapeutic, like a good cry or punching a pillow, but with less drama.
Mastering the art of doing nothing: Sometimes, my best ideas come to me when I’m literally doing nothing. Whether it’s meandering around my house watering plants or taking my dog for a walk, I’ve found that creativity doesn’t always like to be rushed. It’s about giving my brain a breather, proving that sometimes the best way to be productive is to chill out and let boredom do its thing.
Coffee chats with friends: I’ve got a circle of friends who are like my personal board of directors for life’s big decisions and creative ruts. We sync up, share our wildest dreams and fears over coffee, and somehow, the world seems a bit less daunting. It’s like group therapy without the couches and hefty bills. Seeing them hustle inspires me to get my act together, and getting their perspective is priceless.
Book Recommendation to Help You Get Started
About: "Start Ugly" is a book that celebrates the messy creative process and encourages embracing bad ideas and imperfect beginnings. It emphasizes the importance of hard work, courage, and starting rather than waiting for inspiration. It provides both encouragement and practical advice for anyone seeking to enhance their creativity.
Buy it from Laughing Oyster Bookshop (my go-to local shop)
(I mean you can buy it almost anywhere, I just think supporting a local bookshop makes local communities thrive)
This year, I simply want to lower my cortisol levels. One aspect of this is building a routine for my meditation practice. And I finally caved in to all the Instagram ads and started the Nervous System Reset program with Open. I am pleasantly surprised by not only the quality of the content but also the design of the app.
If you liked the topic at the start of this email, it was inspired by one of the meditations on the app. I also started the ‘learn’ Pilates series to support my running goals.
I am not an affiliate, but if you would like to try, the make it easy to share a 30-day free trial.
