A friend of mine has a big dream for their life. They want to say YES and move forward. And then fear says NO.
“I can’t do it.”
Yes, you can.
“I’m not ready.”
Not yet.
“I’ll never be ready.”
Yes, you will. If it’s something you truly want, you’ll do it eventually.
“I can’t.”
Not yet, but you will.
“What if I’m never ready?”
You’ll do it anyway. Most of the time in life, we do big things before we’re ready.
“I’ll probably mess it up.”
Maybe. But then, you’ll learn and do it better.
“How do you know?”
Because we get better. We learn. We grow.
“And then I’ll mess it up again.”
Maybe. But each time you’ll be smarter. You’ll improve. You’ll do better.
“Do you think I can do it?”
Yes, the fire is there. You’re thinking about it. That’s a start. You’re talking about it. That’s progress.
“Why am I so scared to just do it?”
Because it’s new. This is how everyone feels when they do something new.
“Why is it so much easier for everyone else and harder for me?”
It’s not. It just looks that way. Everyone quietly struggles with something.
“What do I do now?”
Exactly what you’re doing. First, you think about it. Then you talk about it. And then you do it.
“But, not yet.”
Okay, not yet. You’re an adult. No one is going to force you to do something until you decide to do it.
“I thought it would be more fun being an adult. This is scary.”
Growing up isn’t the same as growing forward. Most things in life worth doing are scary at first.
“Does it get easier?”
Yes, it does.
“How do you know?”
Because we all have to face our fears before we do the important things in life.
“But, not yet.”
Not yet doesn’t mean never. Not yet means you’re still growing into it. Remember, you’re not alone.
“I feel alone.”
That’s fear talking. You alone need to take action, but you’re not alone. Tell me again why you want to do this?
“I’ve wanted this my whole life.”
Close your eyes for a moment. Take a deep breath. Imagine you are doing your dream right now. How does it feel?
“Everyone will be looking at me and judging me.”
Maybe, but they’ll remember your courage more than your fear. What will it feel like when you overcome your fears and do it anyway?
“It will feel like…EVERYTHING.”
Now, open your eyes. Remember: Not yet isn’t the same as NO. Is it okay to pause and catch your breath?
“Yes.”
Do you still want your dream even if it’s hard?
“Yes!”
Not yet is just a step. Steps move you forward. Do you want to move forward?
“Yes.”
After not yet, you’ll take another step.
“Okay, I can do that.”
Amazing! You’re already doing it. Ready for your next step?
“Yes!”
Not yet is YES.
