“Ready Is A Lie!”

The first time I came across this phrase, I felt a piercing in my heart. The weight of the words left me stunned with a sense of knowing. Even though I had not summarized the reason for my stagnation in achieving my goals as a desperate need to feel ready when I saw the words, there was a sense of confirmation that “readiness” was precisely the feeling I’d been longing for; yet, the phrase was an awakening that waiting for ready was a futile pursuit.

I had tricked myself into believing the only reason I had not kept the promises I’d made to myself was because I wasn’t ready. I anticipated that the feeling of READINESS would rid me of all the fear and insecurities associated with showing up in places and spaces where I felt inadequate.

I was wrong!

FEELING Ready vs. BEING Prepared 

I want to distinguish between feeling ready and being prepared. While the concepts are related, they are also distinct. 

The feeling of readiness refers to one’s mental and emotional response to embracing a new challenge, task, or situation. This feeling often influences the confidence and drive available to complete a goal.

 On the other hand, being prepared is about concrete actions to ensure a goal’s success. Preparation involves planning, organization, acquiring necessary skills or knowledge, and having the tools or resources needed to succeed in a particular endeavor.

Feeling ready is subjective and internal. Being prepared is objective and tangible. There have been many instances in which I have diligently dedicated the time to prepare but still did not “SHOW UP” because I did not feel ready for a moment. In those instances, I have short-changed myself and stunted my personal growth. 

Don’t Romanticize Readiness 

The phrase “Ready is a Lie” is an encouragement not to over-inflate the need to feel ready to the point that the absence of that feeling creates stagnation in achieving your goals. Sometimes, your personal and spiritual growth will depend on your willingness to go for your heart’s desires when you don’t initially feel ready. 

I had a habit of hiding when apprehension or uncertainty surfaced within me. I made the mistake of training myself to think that those feelings were indicators that I was unsafe and not ready to move forward, and because I believed this, I would stall. Debunking this mindset meant accepting uncomfortable feelings AND having the courage to proceed anyway. Over time, reshaping my response to not feeling ready has allowed for a greater capacity for courage. 

Feeling apprehensive or uncertain about the next step is natural, but staying stagnant can hinder your progress and personal growth. The more practice you give yourself to act outside of your comfort zone, the more you will be a witness to your progress and personal development. The new evidence you discover about yourself through this process will build your confidence and reduce the need to make the feeling of readiness a requirement for forward momentum! 

You’re Worthy Now

As I have witnessed my evolution in embracing, respecting, and sharing my gifts and expertise, I have recognized that the recurring cycles of stagnation in my goals had more to do with needing to feel more worthy to absorb space in my calling. More than not feeling ready, I did not think that I was WORTHY. 

Because I did not think I was worthy, my preparation was not a source of comfort because no amount of prepping can replace a sense of worthlessness. Restoring my sense of worth led me on a spiritual and mental detox journey. My detox involved assessing what I believed about myself, and this included paying attention to the mental narratives that I had embraced about myself over time and measuring those thoughts and beliefs about myself against what God has said about me as His Child in the Bible. In this process, I gained a more profound sense of identity, which helped restore my sense of value. It turned out that this notion of readiness revealed a need for me to grow deeper in my trust in God.

I want you to know that you are also worthy NOW! While you are working on becoming the best version of yourself, making adjustments, learning, and growing, you are worthy to occupy space in all the places you are created for. In doing so, you are honoring and confirming your confidence in what God has said about you, far beyond your understanding of yourself. 

I am inviting you to take a step in the direction of your greatest dream for your life. Even if the step seems insignificant, following through and showing up for yourself in the tiniest ways will fuel you to continue and build your dream. 

And even if you stray again, the evidence you reveal to yourself while you move forward will remind you that you are valuable and capable.  

Until Next Time, 

Sending You love, courage, and MORE Courage! 

Sincerely, 

Delanea D Davis, Hope Strategist