"I'm not ready yet": Unveiling the illusion of readiness for eco creatives

In the world of freelancing, particularly for eco creatives like you, hesitation may creep in when it comes to taking the next step in your journey.

One common excuse we hear is, “I’m not ready yet.” But what does that really mean? And how can you overcome this hurdle to propel yourself forward in your career?

Let’s take a deep dive into this excuse and uncover the truths hidden beneath its surface.

Understanding the excuse: “I’m not ready?yet.”

When freelancing creatives utter the words “I’m not ready yet,” they often mask a deeper fear or uncertainty about their abilities, resources, or the journey ahead.

You may have said this yourself to a recent opportunity that was offered to you to grow your business.

I’ve also heard it when talking to potential students about Marketing by Nature, our signature program to help eco creatives attract mission-aligned clients.

This excuse serves as a shield against the unknown, a safety net that keeps you tethered to your comfort zones. But what lies beneath this facade of unreadiness?

Delving deeper, we uncover a tapestry of insecurities woven from past failures, societal expectations, and self-imposed limitations.

It’s a complex interplay of doubt and hesitation, fueled by the relentless pursuit of perfection and the fear of failure.

By acknowledging and dissecting this excuse, you can begin to unravel the tangled web of emotions that hold you back from realizing your full potential.

Embrace growth, move beyond fear.

The perils of procrastination: Lessons?learned

So, if you’re still waiting at procrastination station, it might feel cozy, like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of avoidance, however, it’s a trap.

And when you break it down, it’s more like a thief in the night, stealing away your precious time by stopping you from making progress and keeping you stuck in a cycle of inaction without you even noticing.

That’s not cool. So why do you procrastinate?

Maybe it’s because you’re scared of failure or unsure of where to begin.

But let’s not forget, action is the antidote to fear.

The lesson here? It’s time to leave the station and kick procrastination to the curb by taking small, imperfect steps forward.

Action is the key to unlocking your true potential.

My personal experience: Embracing imperfection

I founded Ethical Brand Marketing in 2018 with the main goal to design an ethical marketing program.

I hired who I thought to be the right people to help me with this huge endeavor, however, I only wasted my time and a lot of money on them.

After I put in some hard work on my own, I had a half-baked program that I was unwilling to promote because I was too scared. I just gave up.

Like many other creatives, I was a bit of a perfectionist, and believed that success hinged on being fully prepared and equipped for every challenge that lay ahead.

Oh, how wrong was I.

It took me a total of five years to finally get up the courage to launch my program.

I don’t want you to wait that long, your business wants to take off now!

Unlocking creativity and thriving in uncertainty

There’s no way we can always be prepared for what’s to come. Mother Nature shows us that lesson every single day.

This limited belief of mine only served to stifle my creativity and impede my progress.

I see it all the time in talented creatives who are just not moving forward because of their own blocks.

It’s heartbreaking because I’ve been there and I understand, and know that’s not the way to become successful in your business.

It wasn’t until I embraced imperfection?—?accepting that I didn’t have to have all the answers or be flawlessly prepared?—?that I began to truly thrive.

By relinquishing the need for readiness and instead focusing on taking imperfect action, I discovered a newfound sense of freedom and empowerment.

This shift in mindset allowed me to overcome obstacles with resilience and adaptability, rather than succumbing to the paralysis of perfectionism.

This shift literally saved my business!

Iterative development: Learning from software?success

Software development follows an iterative process, rejecting the old-school idea of waiting until perfection is achieved.

Instead, software is refined through continuous feedback from early adopters and beta testers, leading to a product that truly meets the needs of its users.

This approach has proven to be highly effective in delivering solutions that align with client expectations.

Rather than investing time in crafting a fully realized offering only to discover it misses the mark, collaborating with clients from the outset ensures that the final product is market-ready and meets their exact requirements.

Embrace iterative development for market-ready solutions.

Unlocking success through collaboration and?support

In embracing imperfection, I also discovered the power of seeking help.

Just as software development thrives on collaboration and feedback, so too does building a business.

Despite feeling like ‘I’m not ready yet,’ being open to seeking assistance can transform obstacles into opportunities, paving the way for success.

This ethos is at the heart of our business, where we foster a community of eco creatives and brands committed to growth through ethical marketing strategies.

Embrace collaboration for business growth and success.

Moving forward with confidence: A call to?action

Enough with the excuses and hesitations.

It’s time for you to reclaim your power and forge ahead with confidence.

Success isn’t about being ready?—?it’s about taking that next step, however uncertain it may seem.

No successful person waits until they’re ready.

Instead, successful people embrace the courage to take imperfect action!

By reframing the narrative and shifting your focus from readiness to action, you can overcome the paralyzing grip of procrastination and start your journey of continual growth and evolution.

Take a bold step into the unknown?—?you are so ready for this!

“Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left?undone.” 
~ Pablo Picasso        

“So what do we do? Anything. Something. So long as we just don’t sit there. If we screw it up, start over. Try something else. If we wait until we’ve satisfied all the uncertainties, it may be too?late.” 
~ Attributed to Lee Iacocca        

Ready to unlock your business potential with Marketing by?Nature?

Join our waitlist now and take the first step toward sustainable growth

Originally published at https://ethicalbrandmarketing.com on April 20, 2024.