Action is the Antidote: Lessons in Taking the Leap

How many times have you seen an opportunity, felt inspired, and then let self-doubt talk you out of it? You know the feeling—you’re excited, you see the possibility, and then the inner monologue kicks in: “What if I fail? What if I’m not ready? What if this is the wrong move?”

For some, that moment of hesitation becomes the end of the story. For others, it’s the spark that ignites action. Which one are you?

The Two Approaches

In my house, I see two very different approaches to decision-making. My husband? He’s the ultimate pro-and-con guy. He’s often frozen by the “what ifs,” focusing on the potential negatives of a decision. It’s a natural reaction to uncertainty, but sometimes it keeps us stuck in a loop of hesitation rather than progress.

Me? I take a slightly different approach. While I’m willing to take risks, I also take the time to play out different scenarios and weigh my options. For me, it’s about making a calculated leap—finding the balance between thoughtful preparation and trusting that I’ll figure out the details as I go.

This approach has served me well. By taking that first step, even with some uncertainty, I’ve been able to learn, grow, and find clarity along the way. If I waited until every “what if” was resolved, I’d still be standing in place.

Examples of Action in Practice

I didn’t always have this mindset. Like anyone, I’ve had moments where hesitation tried to win. But each time I’ve taken the leap, it’s proven to be the right choice—even when the path was uncertain. Of course, that doesn’t mean the path wasn’t rocky along the way. But the view at the end was well worth it.

Starting an Airbnb Business

When I was craving a new challenge, I didn’t wait for the perfect plan or the “right time.” When my husband and I decided to move to North Carolina, we knew it would be a big change. Instead of waiting until we arrived to find housing, we decided to make the leap early. About eight months before the move, we bought our first property. Managing it remotely while preparing for the transition was no small task, but we saw it as an opportunity to start something new.

We turned that property into an Airbnb, and while the learning curve was steep, the experience was invaluable. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, and I made my fair share of mistakes. But that decision to take action rather than wait gave us a head start, taught me the ins and outs of short-term rentals, and opened the door to a thriving new venture—and now I have a thriving Airbnb business to show for it.

Earning My Real Estate License

Years ago, when my husband and I were looking into buying a property, I realized how much we were paying in steep realtor fees. Instead of stressing over it or waiting for someone else to guide us, I decided to learn the industry myself. I jumped in, and am currently working on getting my real estate license! That one action is going to save us thousands and give me a new skill set I can carry forward. It’s a win-win.

Taking the Leap to Form Ruby + Citrine

One of the biggest leaps I’ve ever taken was deciding to close my solopreneur business after 10 years and co-create Ruby + Citrine with my business partner, Crystal. It was a bold move—stepping away from something I had built to take a chance on something new.

The timing wasn’t ideal. Shortly after launching, the world shut down due to COVID-19. With live events on hold, our primary market suddenly evaporated. But instead of waiting for the perfect moment to try again, we adapted. We used the downtime to hone our skills, expand our capabilities, and build a team that could tackle any challenge.

That leap has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career. Ruby + Citrine is now thriving, delivering powerful presentations for industries ranging from pharma to finance. Every challenge we faced along the way made us stronger, more creative, and more prepared to serve our clients at the highest level.

Taking that leap was scary, but it’s proof that sometimes the biggest risks yield the biggest rewards.

The Power of Action

Here’s what I’ve learned: Action silences doubt. Overthinking feeds fear and keeps us stuck in place. But once you’re in motion—once you’ve taken that first step—there’s no time to focus on why you “can’t.” You’re too busy figuring out how you can.

Momentum creates confidence. Every small step you take builds clarity for the next one. That ripple effect is powerful. Before you know it, you’re looking back at something you created—something you took action on—wondering why you ever hesitated in the first place.

Your Turn: Take the Leap

If you’re sitting on an idea, a dream, or a challenge you’ve been hesitating to tackle, here’s what I want you to hear:

• You don’t need all the answers to get started.
• You don’t need to be an expert on Day 1.
• You will figure it out as you go.

This month, I challenge you to pick one thing you’ve been overthinking and take the first step. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be huge. It just has to be action.

Let’s Make 2025 the Year of Action

What’s something you’ve been hesitating on? What’s the first step you’ll take this month to bring it to life? I’d love to hear your “just do it” stories—whether they’re big leaps or small, meaningful moves.

Let’s inspire each other and make this the year we stop waiting and start doing. What’s the first thing you’ll tackle??

I am an experienced graphic designer turned content producer who takes pride in every project I work on. Creatively engaging and challenging projects are my favorite. I love seeing a project through from Script to Stage?.

As the CEO and co-founder of Ruby + Citrine, I am excited to engage fresh talent in the industry, all while crafting presentations that inspire action and engagement.?

I love pursuing new challenges and opportunities to enhance my expansive skillset.