Stop Waiting to Become Ready
(How Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Can Transform Your Business)
What Marcus Aurelius Knew About Success That Most Entrepreneurs Ignore
Is It Your Skills Holding You Back—Or Your Fear of Judgment?
“Not worrying too often, or with any selfish motive, about what other people say, do, or think. Or is it your reputation that’s bothering you?” — Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius wasn’t talking about business owners, but his words perfectly describe why so many of us hesitate to take the next step. We hold back—not because we lack the ability, but because we’re afraid of being seen as unqualified. That fear has a name: imposter syndrome.
How many opportunities have you let pass because you were waiting to “feel ready”? What if the only difference between you and someone more successful isn’t skill—but the confidence to show up anyway?
Many business owners hesitate to take action—not because they lack expertise, but because they fear what others will think. They tell themselves they need one more certification, a few more years of experience, or more proof that they’re qualified. Meanwhile, others with less experience step into opportunities simply because they’re willing to trust what they already know.
So, what’s really stopping you? Is it a genuine lack of ability—or are you letting imposter syndrome keep you from moving forward?
Imposter Syndrome Isn’t Proof That You Don’t Belong—It’s Proof That You’re Growing
That sinking feeling that you’re not “good enough” to take on a new challenge? That’s not a sign you should step back—it’s a sign you’re stepping up.
Imposter syndrome thrives in moments of growth. The further you stretch outside your comfort zone, the more your brain tells you that you don’t belong. But feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you’re unqualified—it means you’re expanding into something new.
My Transition from Business Owner to Business Coach
When I transitioned from being a business owner to becoming a business coach, imposter syndrome hit me hard. At that point, I had 15 years of experience running successful businesses, and I had helped many friends navigate their own business challenges. But when it came time to make it official—to start charging people—I hesitated.
I didn’t have an MBA. I hadn’t worked for a big consulting firm. All I had was my personal experience in building a thriving business. And that didn’t feel like enough.
I convinced myself that I needed more certifications, more training, more validation before I could really help people. But then I realized something: there were business owners who needed help right now. And I already had enough to serve them.
So I committed to doing both—continuing to grow my knowledge while also showing up to help the people I was qualified to serve. That decision helped me build a thriving coaching practice while I continued to gain skills, certifications, and experience.
You’ll Never Feel 100% Ready—And That’s Okay
Many people believe they’ll wake up one day and suddenly feel ready to take the next step in their business. They won’t.
Readiness is a moving target—every time you grow, new challenges arise, and the feeling of not being ready returns. If you wait until you feel completely prepared, you’ll wait forever.
The only way to build confidence is through action.
A Massage Therapist Who Stopped Waiting and Started Building
A friend of mine, a massage therapist, always knew he wanted to build his own practice—a place that offered high-quality services beyond what most massage businesses provided. But when he finished his training, he convinced himself that he needed more experience before stepping out on his own.
So instead of starting his own practice, he took a job with a large company. He told himself that he’d learn more by working there, that he’d gain the skills and confidence to launch his own business when the time was right.
But after a year, he realized something: he wasn’t learning anything new. He had reached the limit of what that job could offer him. If he wanted to grow, the only way forward was to step out on his own.
So he took the leap—not because he felt 100% ready, but because he finally understood that readiness wasn’t the issue. He already had what he needed, or he could figure it out as he went.
His business didn’t just succeed—it became an award-winning practice, recognized as the best in town. And not because he waited until he felt ready, but because he decided to move forward despite his doubts.
Instead of asking, “Am I ready?” ask, “Can I help someone today?” If the answer is yes, move forward.
Reframing Imposter Syndrome: Don’t Fake It—Own What’s Already True
The problem with “fake it till you make it” is that you’re still faking it—and people can sense that.
Instead of pretending to be something you’re not, remind yourself of what is true. You may not be the best in the world, but do you have skills, knowledge, or experience that can help people?
If the answer is yes, then the real issue isn’t ability—it’s the fear of being judged.
What This Doesn’t Mean:
- That you should oversell your expertise or exaggerate your abilities.
What It Does Mean:
- That you shouldn’t undersell yourself either.
- That you can own your skills without pretending to be something you’re not.
Don’t pretend to be more than you are—but don’t pretend to be less, either.
Moving Forward: A Practical Approach
If you’ve been holding back because of imposter syndrome, here’s how to move forward in small, manageable steps:
- Identify what you already know. Write down three things you’re confident you can help people with.
- Take one small, visible action. This could be sending an email, posting a tip, or offering help to a client.
- Gather proof. Each time you take action, track the positive feedback or results you get—this is real evidence that you belong.
Then, reflect on these questions:
- What opportunities have I avoided because I didn’t feel “ready”?
- Where am I already knowledgeable enough to help people today?
- What’s one step I can take right now—even if I still have doubts?
Stop Worrying About Your Reputation—Start Taking Action
It’s easy to convince yourself that you’re waiting for the right time, but if you look closer, you’ll often find that what you’re really afraid of is judgment.
What if people don’t take you seriously? What if someone questions your qualifications? What if you fail and people see it happen?
But protecting your reputation—playing it safe to avoid criticism—won’t grow your business. The only way to become great at something is by doing it over and over again. And the only way to build a reputation worth having is by showing up, helping people, and proving that you belong by taking action, not by waiting for permission.
Stop Waiting, Start Moving
Right now, commit to one action that will move you forward.
- If you’ve been waiting to start something new, take the first step today.
- If you’ve been hesitating to share your expertise, share one idea with your audience now.
- If you’ve been holding back out of fear, remind yourself: expertise comes from experience, not waiting for permission.
Take the step. Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back another day.
