One of the most common phrases I hear from women in midlife is, “I’m not ready yet.” Whether it’s launching a business, creating a new offer, or changing direction, the sense of “not ready” can feel like a wall. But here’s the truth: waiting until you’re ready often means waiting forever.

Let’s unpack this.

Readiness is a Myth

There’s this idea that one day we’ll wake up and know it’s the right time. That we’ll feel confident, prepared, and completely equipped to take the leap.

In reality? That rarely happens.

I remember when I first decided to start my business. I felt completely unprepared. My mind was filled with doubts: "Do I have enough experience?” “Will anyone take me seriously?" But I knew if I waited for those doubts to disappear, I might never make the leap. So I started, fears and all. And you know what? Those fears didn't vanish overnight, but with each client I worked with, each workshop I ran, my confidence grew. I became ready by doing.

Most women who start businesses do so while still wrestling with self-doubt, uncertainty, and questions they can’t yet answer. And that’s okay. Because readiness isn’t a feeling, it’s a decision. You become ready by starting.

Think of it like training for a marathon. You don’t wait until you’re fit to begin running… you start running to get fit. The same applies to business.

Clarity Comes Through Action

You don’t need a perfect plan. You need momentum.

Taking action (even small steps) creates clarity. You learn what resonates, what works, and what you love by doing, not by overthinking. That course you want to create? Outline it. That offer you’re unsure about? Test it. That idea that won’t leave you alone? Say it out loud.

Each small step builds confidence. Each action gives you data. And suddenly, you’re not “getting ready”...you’re doing it.

I'll never forget when I was asked to host my first "Empower Her" coffee meetup. I was so nervous, I had no idea if anyone would show up or if I could provide value. But I did it anyway. Not only did women attend, but they keep coming back month after month. 

The Cost of Waiting

Waiting until you feel ready has a cost. It delays your growth. It postpones your learning. It keeps your dreams on hold.

And often, it’s fear in disguise. Fear of failure. Fear of judgment. Fear of being visible. But here’s the beautiful thing… you don’t have to be fearless to begin. You just have to be brave enough to take the next step.

When you start before you’re ready, you reclaim your power. You stop outsourcing your timeline to fear and start trusting yourself.

What Starting Early Looks Like

It means launching the offer before your website is perfect.

It means posting on social media before your branding is finalised.

It means inviting people in before you feel “expert” enough.

It’s messy, vulnerable, and real. But it’s also energising, exciting, and full of momentum.

One woman I worked with had always dreamed of starting her own business but kept putting it off. She was waiting for the "perfect time" when her kids were older and her life was more settled. But as we talked, she realised that perfect time might never come. Inspired, she decided to start small, offering freelance services in her spare time. Within a year, she had built a thriving business that allowed her to work flexibly around her family commitments. Her only regret? Not starting sooner.

Midlife is the perfect time to start, not because everything is figured out, but because you know yourself better. You know what matters. You’re less willing to waste time on things that don’t.

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it. Start before you’re ready. Your future self will thank you for taking that first, imperfect step today.

If you want help to find that first step, book a free strategy session with me - https://www.theleaptolead.com/strategy Completely free, no obligation and only 30 minutes. Together we will find your next step and support you to take action.