Readiness Is Overrated

A follower recently shared something that might feel familiar.

She was in a good place at work — performing well, stable, comfortable.
But she’d been headhunted for a role that felt exciting.

The opportunity would stretch her into more strategic and people-leadership territory — areas she hadn’t seriously considered before. While her current path aligned with the role, the move came with uncertainty.

She didn’t feel fully ready.

And yet, the conversation cracked something open. It made her question what might be possible.

She asked me how she should approach it.

Here’s the truth most people don’t hear often enough:
growth rarely arrives when you feel fully ready.

In fact, many of the most transformative career opportunities show up feeling half-formed, uncomfortable, and poorly timed.

Why “Readiness” Is a Misleading Signal

We often assume we need clarity, confidence, and perfect timing before making a bold move.

But waiting until everything feels certain often leads to lateral moves, not growth moves.

One of the best pieces of advice I ever received from a mentor was this:
get comfortable with the uncomfortable — that’s where the magic happens.

Especially when you stay open and approach opportunities with a mindset of possibility rather than fear.

Treat Stretch Opportunities Like a Mirror

When you’re offered something that stretches you — even if you don’t end up taking it — treat it like a mirror.

Ask yourself:

• What can I learn from this opportunity?
  
• What would it take for me to leave my current role at this stage?
  
• What would I gain or lose if I stayed where I am?
  
• How does this align with my values and needs right now?
  
• What’s the best that could happen?
  

These questions aren’t about forcing a yes.
They’re about understanding what the opportunity is revealing about you.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the decision is rarely just about saying yes or no.

It’s about tuning into what the opportunity is showing you about your growth edge, your values, and your next chapter.

So if you’re at a crossroads, here’s your reminder:

The absence of readiness is not the absence of capability.

Sometimes the decision isn’t about being fully ready.
It’s about being ready enough to begin.

If you’re navigating a turning point and want support making your next move with intention, I break this down further in a recent webinar on making Career Power Moves.

Rooting for you,
 Angel Kilian
Founder | Career inFocus