The Confidence Myth: Why Waiting to Feel "Ready" is Holding You Back

Posted: February 18, 2025

How many times have you told yourself, "I just need a little more time" before going after an opportunity?

What if I told you that waiting to feel "ready" is the very thing keeping you stuck?

Self-doubt is a shape-shifter. It doesn’t always show up as "I’m not good enough." Sometimes, it disguises itself as logic:

"I’ll apply for that promotion once I get another certification."
"I’ll start my business when I have more experience."
"I’ll put myself out there when I feel more confident."

But here’s the truth: Confidence doesn’t come before action. It comes because of action.

The Self-Doubt Trap

For high-achieving women, especially BIPOC women, self-doubt is often internalized. Society tells us to be overqualified before we step forward, to prove our worth again and again. We absorb these messages, convincing ourselves that we need one more credential, one more accolade—when in reality, we are already more than capable.

But waiting to feel “ready” is like waiting for a road to appear before you start walking. The road appears only after you take the first step.

The Truth About Confidence

Confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about self-trust.

Think of the people you admire—leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives. Do you think they always felt confident before taking the leap? No. They stepped forward anyway, even when doubt whispered in their ears.

Even some of the most successful Black women have struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome:

Maya Angelou once admitted that she often feared being exposed as a fraud, despite her literary success.
Michelle Obama has spoken openly about feeling like she didn’t belong in elite spaces, even as First Lady of the United States.
Shonda Rhimes shared in her book that she initially felt undeserving of her accomplishments and had to learn to embrace her success.

How to Move Through Self-Doubt

You don’t need to erase self-doubt to move forward. You just need to stop letting it make decisions for you. Here’s how:

1. Recognize the Pattern

Next time you catch yourself hesitating, ask: "Am I truly unprepared, or is this fear masquerading as logic?"

2. Reframe the Narrative

Shift your mindset from "I need more time" to "I have everything I need to start."

3. Take the First Step

You don’t need a grand gesture. Just one small action today. Send the email. Apply for the position. Post your work. Each action builds trust in yourself.

You’re Closer Than You Think

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to stop second-guessing yourself, this is it.

If you’re ready to break the cycle of self-doubt and start stepping into opportunities with confidence, I invite you to join my Rooted to Rise coaching program—a space designed for high-achieving women who are done playing small.

📌 Ready to take the next step? Book a free discovery call here: https://calendar.app.google/TDF1VkF9cQTgAwiv8

Confidence isn’t about feeling ready. It’s about deciding to trust yourself—starting today.