Dooley Noted: 12/14/2015
As this meme makes its rounds again, I’m reminded of some things I’ve accomplished in my 37 years.
I’ve overcome some hardships.
I’ve done things that scared the daylights out of me.
I’ve watched as walls came up in front of me.
I’ve walked away from things as I ran towards others.
I have a unique curriculum vitae.
I’ve had some challenging relationships, from friendship to business to romantic.
I travel the world and own a few small companies, with more work and love and life to come.
And never – at any time – have I felt ready for any of it.
I may look confident speaking in a group of two or 2,000.
I am confident. But never ready.
I always wish I had one more day, one more hour, one more minute to prepare.
I never feel ready because “ready” doesn’t exist.
There are things you do and you don’t do.
And whatever you choose – you follow that road, with all its attributes and pitfalls.
I don’t get nervous much, because I welcome the idea that I’ll never be ready for what is in front of me.
I smile – breathe – and mentally prepare to my best ability.
And then I do it or I don’t.
My name is Dooley for a reason. Usually, I’ll do it if I want it.
If you want something – and you know you really, really want it – then I hope you don’t wait until you are “ready.”
“Ready” is like the word “busy” – it’s an illusion.
I hope you do it even if It scares you.
Most days I feel how easy it would be not to try.
But courage is being scared and doing it anyway – ready or not.
I hope you choose courage and personally debunk the idea of being ready.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley