Make your move BEFORE you are ready!
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The notion of making a move before you are fully ready may initially seem counterintuitive. We often believe that readiness is a prerequisite for success—that we must accumulate enough knowledge, experience, or resources before embarking on a new endeavor. However, this mindset can lead to perpetual hesitation and missed opportunities. To truly understand the power of acting before being entirely prepared, consider the nature of progress and growth.
Imagine setting out on a journey to climb a mountain. If you wait until every possible condition is perfect—when the weather is ideal, your gear is flawless, and your strength is at its peak—you might never take that first step. The reality is that uncertainty and imperfection are constants in life. By waiting for an ideal moment, you risk remaining stationary while others advance. The essence of making a move before you are ready lies in overcoming the paralysis of perfectionism.
Action often serves as a catalyst for learning and adaptation. When you initiate a project, take on a new role, or start a venture, you are entering a process of evolution. The early stages are usually fraught with challenges and unknowns, but they also present opportunities for immediate feedback and growth. Each misstep or setback becomes a valuable lesson, guiding you toward improvement. This iterative process of learning through doing is often more effective than waiting to be perfectly prepared.
Consider the startup world, where many successful entrepreneurs didn't wait until they had a foolproof plan. Instead, they launched their ideas with minimal resources, learning and iterating as they went. Their progress was fueled not by the perfect strategy but by the willingness to take action despite uncertainties. They embraced the discomfort of the unknown and allowed their ventures to evolve organically.
The act of making a move before you are ready also taps into the momentum principle. Once you start moving, even if it's with less than perfect preparation, you generate momentum that propels you forward. This momentum builds confidence and creates a self-reinforcing cycle of progress. Conversely, waiting indefinitely can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities, as the inertia of inaction becomes harder to overcome.
Moreover, the concept of readiness itself is often a moving target. We tend to set rigid standards for what it means to be prepared, which can create an illusion of control and security. In reality, readiness is a fluid concept that adjusts with experience and new insights. By taking action before you feel completely ready, you embrace the dynamic nature of preparation, understanding that readiness evolves through engagement rather than precedes it.
To illustrate this further, think about learning to ride a bicycle. Initially, you may feel unsteady and unsure, but once you start pedaling, your balance improves. The act of moving, even if wobbly at first, allows you to develop the skills necessary to ride confidently. Waiting until you master balance while stationary would not provide the same learning experience. The same principle applies to various aspects of life; action fosters growth and mastery.
In conclusion, making a move before you are ready is not about acting recklessly or without consideration. Rather, it is about embracing the journey of growth, understanding that perfection is an illusion, and recognizing that progress is often driven by the courage to act in the face of uncertainty. By stepping into the arena before you feel fully prepared, you engage in a dynamic process of learning and momentum that propels you toward success.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Make your move BEFORE you are ready!" is often attributed to Les Brown (Quotes). Les Brown is a motivational speaker and author who inspires individuals to reach their full potential.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.