The Myth of “The Right Time”: Why Waiting Blocks Mastery

How waiting to feel ready is the enemy of mastery, and what to do instead.

There’s a lie that travels through every trade, every office, every ambition.

It whispers, “Not yet.”

Not until the bills are paid.

Not until the schedule clears.

Not until the kids are older.

Not until the stars align and your confidence feels unshakable.

This is the myth of the “right time.”

And it’s how the world stays full of unbuilt dreams and unfinished work.

The truth is, mastery doesn’t wait for readiness.

It creates it.

You don’t become confident and then act.

You act,

And through repetition, feedback, pain, and persistence, you become confident.

Builders know this.

You don’t learn to frame by reading.

You learn by cutting the wrong length, by dropping the hammer, by missing the mark, and trying again.

The dojo doesn’t grant black belts to people who feel ready.

It tests those who show up despite feeling unready and keep showing up.

Readiness is not a feeling.

It’s a result.

And it’s forged through the work, not before it.

So the next time your mind says not yet,

Answer with action.

Swing the hammer.

Make the sketch.

Pitch the idea.

Send the proposal.

Build the damn thing.

Because while others wait for the green light,

The master builds the road beneath his feet.

Field Note:

You don’t need to be ready. You need to be in motion.