I know that one of the stumbling blocks that we all have is this belief that we need to feel ready before we do something – and I can tell you that I have done a lot of things before I was ready.

In fact, in most cases, I was terrified. I was almost certain I was going to fail, and that the worst-case scenario was going to be my reality.

A lot of these times I didn’t have a choice, or I felt I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I was scared – but I was also really, really, really tired of staying stuck.

So, I would leap and have no idea if the net was going to appear or if I was going to fall on my face. Not just once, but several times throughout my life.

I wasn’t ready when my former boss told me that I would now be 100% commission based as a mortgage broker.

I had no idea this was coming. I had been getting this little monthly wage and one morning he just said, “Okay you’re not getting that anymore, you’re not getting that ever again. You’re 100% commission based.”

I was 21 years old and had a mortgage and a car payment. I had no idea how I was going to make money that month. I had never done a mortgage myself before. I had never had my first client – but I had no choice. I had to get started even though I did not feel ready.

I wasn’t ready when I decided to go to university.

I wanted to see what would happen if I went. I wanted to find out first hand if it was meant for me. I went for about a year and then I realized it wasn’t for me – and that was okay. At least now I know for sure. I don’t have to have any regrets about what if or wonder what that would have been like.

I wasn’t ready when I moved down to San Diego.

I didn’t feel ready for that either. I didn’t have any friends there. I didn’t have a proper place to stay. I didn’t have any furniture. I didn’t have anything ready. I just showed up and trusted that everything would line up as it was meant to be.

I wasn’t ready when I began working with my first coach.

I didn’t know how I was going to make that monthly payment for the first six months. I had no clue where that money was going to come from, but I knew this was something I had to do. I knew something deep inside of me was giving me the nudge that it would be in my highest interests to work with this person, so I did. I just trusted that it would unfold. And it did, better than my wildest dreams.

I wasn’t ready when I hired my first business coach.

I was not ready. I was not ready to pay $30,000 dollars to work with a high-level business coach. I was anything but ready! Yet something deep down told me that this was part of my path. This would elevate me, this would connect me further and faster to my purpose, it would cut down my learning curve, it would cut down my trial and error, it would cut down time wasted in chasing my own tail. I did it and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

I wasn’t ready when I moved to Victoria, where I am right now.

More and more, though, I’m realizing this is exactly where I’m meant to be right now.

I wasn’t ready when I got back in to kickboxing.

I was feeling super out of shape, tired, slow, and lethargic. I didn’t want to go to the class with everyone who was already in shape, but I went anyway because I was tired of feeling this way.

What I’ve learned is, we can’t keep doing the same thing over and over and expect something to change, so I went, before I was ready.

What I’m saying, what all of this has in common, is that I just. started.

I wasn’t ready.

I didn’t feel confident at all.

In fact, I felt afraid, I felt terrified, I felt uncertain, I felt nervous, I felt awkward, I felt out of place… but I was willing.

I was willing to step outside of what was comfortable.

I was willing to step outside of what was familiar.

I was willing to step outside of my usual routine, because I want more.

I want to grow more.

I want to learn more.

I want to lead others better.

…more.

…further.

…faster.

And so I myself have to grow.

I have to connect with the people who are going to grow me, support me, encourage me, challenge me – in ways I won’t challenge myself.

These are the things that I love to do, that bring me joy. It’s gotten to this place now where the more nervous it makes me, the more excited I am to prove to myself that I can do this.

Another thing these stories all have in common?

They shaped my life to be far better than it was before. 

Anytime I have been absolutely terrified to move ahead with something, I have never regretted doing it.

The only things I’ve ever regretted are the chances I didn’t take.

I would rather try and fail at something, anything – than to always wonder what could’ve been…

Whatever’s in front of you right now, that you really want to do, that you know would further align you with your purpose. Your passion. Your joy in your life…

Whatever it is that you’re feeling like you’re not ready to do, remember this:

It has nothing to do with feeling ready – and everything to do with being willing.

The clock of life is ticking and you have an infinite intelligence that 100% has your back at all times.

What would be possible, if you were willing to trust it just a little bit more…

To making bold moves and start living life fully!

You are capable of far more than you give yourself credit for.

Jennifer Jayde is an international best-selling and award-winning author, speaker, and creator of the Awakening online program for women who desire to awaken their purpose, align with their Highest Self, and inspire others along the way. Learn more about working with Jennifer at JenniferJayde.com. Listen in on the Soul Adventurer Podcast. Follow along for daily insights and inspiration on Instagram.

Image courtesy of Andrew Ly.