Step into your greatness...
In less than a week, I’m starting a new chapter in my life—I’ll be pursuing my master’s degree at Luther Seminary. Here’s the thing: I’m not ready. I don’t have everything figured out. If I’m being honest, I’m far from fully prepared. But you know what? That’s okay. Life doesn’t always give us the luxury of perfect timing or complete readiness. Sometimes, it hands us an opportunity and waits to see what we’ll do with it. And for me, this is one of those moments.
Am I nervous? Absolutely. Starting something new always brings a mix of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and yes, a bit of fear. Am I excited? Without a doubt. There’s something exhilarating about stepping into the unknown, even when you’re unsure of what the journey will look like. Will I figure it all out between now and then? Honestly, maybe. But I’m realizing that figuring it out isn’t the most important part. The most important part is saying yes to the opportunity in front of me.
There are moments in life where we’re faced with decisions—big ones, small ones, life-changing ones. Often, we feel the need to have everything perfectly lined up before we take the next step. We want certainty, clarity, and confidence before we move forward. But the truth is, life doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes, the path becomes clear only after we’ve taken the first step.
Think about your own life for a moment. How many times have you been presented with an opportunity that you weren’t fully prepared for? Maybe it was a new job, a big move, a creative project, or a personal challenge. And how many times did you hold back because you didn’t feel ready? It’s easy to get caught in the trap of waiting for the “perfect” time—the time when all the stars align, and everything feels right. But the reality is, if we wait for perfection, we might never take the leap.
That’s where the power of saying yes comes in. Saying yes isn’t about having everything figured out in advance. It’s about recognizing an opportunity, even when it feels daunting, and choosing to step into it anyway. It’s about trusting that you’ll figure out the details along the way.
For me, saying yes to this master’s program wasn’t about feeling fully prepared. It was about seeing an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to stretch myself in ways I haven’t before. It’s about being open to what’s next, even when the path ahead is unclear.
So, what about you? What’s the next step you need to take? What’s that thing you’ve been putting off because you don’t feel ready? What dream do you have that you are afraid to pursue? Is now the time to take the first step? Take a moment to reflect on why you’re holding back. Is it because you’re genuinely not ready, or is it because you’re waiting for that elusive moment of perfection?
Here’s my challenge to you: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect time or the perfect circumstances. Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready, because chances are, you never will. Take that step now. Say yes to the opportunity in front of you, even if it feels a little scary. Even if you don’t have everything figured out. Even if it feels uncertain.
Saying yes is powerful. It opens doors. It leads to growth. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and into places you never imagined you’d go. And most importantly, it sets you on a path toward living a life of purpose—one where you’re not just waiting for things to happen, but actively making them happen.
So again, I ask you: What’s your next step? What opportunity is right in front of you, waiting for a simple “yes”? Whatever it is, take that step. Start right now, today. You’ll figure out the rest as you go.
5 Action Steps to Take Today:
- Write it down. Take a moment to identify the opportunity in front of you. What is the next step you know you need to take, even if you don’t feel ready? Write it down—put it in black and white, so it becomes real. Naming your next step makes it harder to ignore.
- Take a small step today. It doesn’t have to be a huge leap. What’s one small thing you can do today to move forward? Maybe it’s sending an email, making a phone call, or setting aside time to research your next move. Even the smallest action can create momentum.
- Share your next step with someone. Accountability is key to making progress. Tell someone you trust about your next step. Sharing your intentions out loud makes them more tangible and increases the likelihood you’ll follow through.
- Tell me your next step. I’d love to hear what’s next for you. Reply to this newsletter or send me a quick note, and share the opportunity you’re saying yes to. It’s inspiring to see others embracing new challenges, and I’d love to celebrate your steps forward.
- Trust the process. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Trust that you’ll learn, adapt, and grow as you move forward. Let go of the need for perfect preparation and embrace the journey of discovery.