It’s a familiar feeling—you land a new opportunity, step into a bigger role, or find yourself in a room full of accomplished people you admire, and suddenly, doubt creeps in. Do I really belong here? Am I ready for this? What if they figure out I don’t know everything?

The truth is, no one feels 100% ready for growth. The professionals who advance in their careers aren’t the ones who have it all figured out before they take the next step—they’re the ones who take the step anyway. They don’t wait until they feel fully prepared, because they know that growth isn’t about already knowing—it’s about learning while doing. Skills can be developed, confidence can be built, and experience comes through action, not hesitation.

Every leader, mentor, and role model you look up to has been exactly where you are now—questioning their own abilities, navigating uncharted territory, and feeling unsure at times. But instead of letting self-doubt hold them back, they used it as fuel to learn, stretch, and prove to themselves that they were capable. They didn’t wait to feel “ready” because readiness isn’t a prerequisite for success—it’s a result of stepping up, showing up, and figuring things out along the way.

Feeling out of your depth isn’t a sign you don’t belong. It’s proof that you’re pushing yourself, stepping beyond your comfort zone, and stepping into new possibilities. It means you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be—growing. So the next time you find yourself questioning if you’re ready, remind yourself: You don’t have to be fully prepared. You just have to be willing to begin.