By definition readiness is the state of being ready or prepared or a willingness to do something. The concept of readiness can be interesting as you struggle with the question of am I ready—ready to strike out on your own, ready to change jobs, ready to go back to school, ready for a new relationship or to leave one that you are in, ready to start a new business, ready to [fill in the blank].

Complicating this is that sometimes we doubt ourselves, sometimes we overthink, sometimes we get lost in noise, sometimes we resist the arbitrary deadlines or expectations or the bureaucracy and processes. Uncertainty, fear and frustration can start to set in—making us think we are not ready.  

Not easy territory to navigate. I like to think about it in the phase of “on your mark, get ready, set, go.”

“On your mark” is staking your claim or your right to do something, to make a change, make a difference, etc. It’s about understanding yourself, knowing you have the knowledge, the courage and the mindset for what you are planning, wanting or needing to do. It is standing tall, firm and proud—and grounded.

“Get ready” is taking a deep breath to gain clarity, to clear out the doubt, fear, nerves, etc. It is moments right at the intersection of anxiety and excitement. “Set” is taking your right and stake, combining it with the clearing out of low vibrating emotions and having that moment of calm confidence. It is your state of mind, as in it is set to move into action. “Go” is taking that first small step or big leap—it’s that forward motion into action or the state of doing.

In that first act of go, you let go of the doubt, anxiety, fear and uncertainty and you move forward in a fluid motion. In the go state, you increasingly find yourself in the moments of transformation and change—moving toward you goal or next step. You have to trust in yourself and know that your Self will not let you do things for which you are not ready. Your instincts will guide you and your experience will unfold as it is meant.