Too many people die with their potential still locked inside them—not because they lacked talent or opportunity, but because they kept waiting to “be ready.”
We convince ourselves that once things settle, once the timing feels right, once we’ve learned a little more, then we’ll finally take the leap. But here’s the raw truth:
- You’ll never feel 100% ready.
- The perfect time doesn’t exist.
- Progress only begins when you start—messy, unprepared, and uncertain.
Look at the image above. It’s the perfect mirror of how procrastination steals our lives. A young man says, “When…” A middle-aged man says, “I’m ready…” An older man says, “I’ll…” And finally, a skeleton says, “Start.”
That’s how potential dies. Not because of failure, but because of delay.
🚦 Why Waiting Is Dangerous
👉 Clarity comes from action, not overthinking. You don’t discover the right path by waiting for certainty—you discover it by taking steps forward.
👉 Readiness is built, not found. Confidence grows through movement. Discipline grows through practice. Skill grows through repetition.
👉 Time doesn’t wait for you. While you’re waiting for the “perfect season,” life keeps moving. What you postpone today becomes harder tomorrow.
My Life Tale…
Years ago, I knew I wanted to step into leadership training and growth facilitation. But I kept saying: “When I’ve studied more…” “When I have the perfect program…” “When I’m fully ready…”
The truth? I was hiding behind preparation because I was afraid of failing.
Finally, I decided to take a messy first step: hosting a small growth session with a handful of people I knew. Was it perfect? Not at all. But it started me on the journey that eventually grew into I Lead Growth and my coaching career today.
That first swing—imperfect and unpolished—was the one that set everything in motion.
🛠 Actionable Steps: How to Stop Waiting and Start Now
Here’s a practical framework you can apply immediately:
- Name It Clearly. Write down the one thing you’ve been postponing because you’re “not ready.” Be honest with yourself.
- Shrink It Down. Break it into the smallest possible step. (Example: If you’ve been postponing writing a book, the smallest step is writing one paragraph today.)
- Set a Non-Negotiable Deadline. Instead of “someday,” pick today. Even 20 minutes counts.
- Build Discipline, Not Motivation. Commit to consistency. Show up daily or weekly regardless of how you feel. Motivation may not always show up—but discipline will carry you forward.
- Celebrate Small Wins. Track your progress, however small. Every step forward compounds into momentum.
🌱 The Power of Now
Every book you admire, every leader you respect, every business you celebrate—none of them began when it was convenient. They began when it was possible.
Your dream won’t move until you do.
💡 My challenge to you: What’s one thing you’ve been postponing because you’re “not ready”? Do it today—before life’s clock runs out.
“Discipline turns potential into reality. Delay turns potential into regret.” – Odhiambo J. Omondi
Odhiambo J. Omondi Leadership Coach | Culture Strategist | Growth Facilitator 🌐 www.ileadgrowth.com
#TheGrowthSeries #NoMoreExcuses #LeadershipGrowth #TakeAction #PersonalGrowth
Leadership Coach & Trainer | Culture Strategist | Growth Facilitator | Thought Leader | Founder @ILeadGrowth | Certified Facilitator Beyond Success Kenya | Motivational Speaker | Author of Broke No More & other transformative works | Mentor to Schools, Universities & Corporate Teams | Personal Growth & Potential Ignition Coach
