How I learned to start before I’m ready

Ever feel like you’re supposed to learn a lesson? And that a pattern keeps coming up until you learn that lesson?

Now, patterns are always easier to see in hindsight (it is 20/20, right?). But there’s a clear lesson that I’ve needed to learn over the past few years: 

Start before you’re ready. 

This was clear when I decided to quit my full-time job in late 2022 to scale my coaching business full-time. 

I was sitting at my desk in the midst of back-to-back-to-back zoom calls in August 2022 when I first had the thought: 

“I want to do something more dynamic. I want to have a career in which I get to speak, coach and write.” 

That thought was immediately followed by: 

“Ok, great. Will do, but I need to make a plan: I’ll spend the next year laying the ground-work. I’ll get at least 3 press features, post weekly on LinkedIn to build my brand, save six-figures and have at least five active clients.” 

My mind was very specific (lol). 

My plan was neat, orderly and would set me up for success. It made sense, it was safe. 

A few months later, after I didn’t get the budget I needed for 2023, my intuition told me it was time to quit. 

So much for the thoughtful year of transition and building momentum. 

I had a decent amount of savings and 2 press opportunities, but had done no brand-building and had about $400 in monthly coaching revenue.

But still, I knew it was time so:  

I started before I was ready. 

Fast-forward to this summer. My business was growing. I knew it was time to create the next strategy so I could serve more women while maintaining quality. 

But the conversation in my head went something like this:

“Ok, great. Will do, but here’s my plan: I’ll spend this fall getting ready. I’ll focus on 1x1 client delivery and executing my group program. I’ll keep building my brand and audience. I’ll save more money to invest in a coach and other infrastructure.” 

Great, logical plan but again safe. 

As I realized it didn’t feel right to run my group program this fall, I realized that I had to: 

Start before I was ready. 

I hired a business coach. Have been doing market research. Reflecting on my Operating Principles and Strengths. And am starting to create the 2.0 version of Cydnee DeToy Coaching. 

I share this in case you have a hunch you need to:

Start before you’re ready. 

Whether that’s figuring out what’s next, going after a new role, starting a venture, pursuing a passion project or taking any other big leap. 

If you’re like me and many other high-achieving millennial women, you like to feel prepared and thoughtful (my mom is always poking gentle fun at my many spreadsheets and detailed itineraries). 

However, we can sometimes spend too much time in planning mode. Planning feels good (and safe), but it is not going after the thing you want. 

Here are a few prompts to consider: 

1. What is that big goal I daydream about? 

2. What are the plans or milestones I’ve created for myself before I can pursue it? 

3. In what ways might my mind be trying to keep me safe? 

4. Which of those plans are critical and which can be figured out along the way? 

5. What do I want? To keep planning or go for it? 

6. What am I going to do? 

The other reason I’m sharing this? 

I want to share what I’ve been building over the next few months and what it means for you.  

Don’t we all love good ‘building in public’ updates?!

Tune in for a mini-series on what I’m building, how I’m approaching growth and what you can apply to your own career. 

And, go start before you’re ready!