Yes, I am releasing this post early with a quick note: Yes, there is some big news at the bottom of this post but I encourage you read and listen to this week’s substack anyway! I am am here to support you on your journey through big and small moves. I believe the insight from this chapter are important for your growth!

Start Before You’re Ready — From Fear to Action

Hey, friends! We’re right in the heart of our “Everything is Figureoutable” book club, and today we’re diving deep into Chapter 7: “Start Before You’re Ready.” The podcast episode is especially personal, and the blog you are reading might be too. We’ll see.

I have been confronting the essential question Marie asks in this chapter. “In 10 years, will I regret not doing this?” It’s a biggie, and let me tell you, it’s been swirling around in my head almost non-stop lately. If things go perfectly, obviously—no regrets! But what if things fall apart? That fear—the fear of not having it all figured out—can be paralyzing.

Belonging Beyond the Ordinary

Marie pulls us back to the classic Island of Misfit Toys (yes, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!) and the character Hermie, the elf who wished to be a dentist instead of making toys. I could relate instantly. Like Hermie and like Marie, I haven’t always felt like I fit in neatly. There’s this deeper driver in me—maybe even a bit “semi-narcissistic”—to create impact in a way bigger than any job title, family role, or even artistic identity.

Sometimes, I’ll admit, I ask: does wanting more make me ungrateful for what I already have? Then my heart reminds me—dreaming bigger can be an act of service and love.

It’s Okay To Be Multi-Passionate

Marie coined the term “multi-passionate entrepreneur,” and discovering that language made me feel seen. Her words:

“When I had that phrase, it gave me a new context. And in doing so, I began to see myself in a new light, which surprisingly led to new opportunities”.

YES! That’s what so many of us are searching for when we want to weave together artist, facilitator, product manager, and mom—all in one human.

Being multi-passionate doesn’t have to mean we’re scattered. It means we’re alive, curious, and ready for impact!

Truth Time: We Never Truly Feel Ready

Marie gets real (as usual):

“You never feel ready to do the important things that you’re meant to do”.

It’s normal to feel fear and uncertainty. What matters and what creates momentum is this…taking action, not waiting for the perfect moment.

She drives it home: “All progress begins with a brave decision,” and “action spawns courage, not the other way around”.

So many of us are guilty of letting “I’m not ready” sit in the driver’s seat. I do it, too! Sometimes, my so-called research is really just procrastination dressed up in smart glasses.

Bust Through Research Paralysis

Marie offers this big tip: be wary of procrastination disguised as endless prep or research.

My friend Jakub (hey, Jakub) recently posted on LinkedIn about the 1:4 rule: one hour of learning should lead to four hours of doing.

That hit home. If this resonates, try asking yourself: How much am I consuming versus creating? How can I get more skin in the game and commit with action, not just intention?

Loss aversion can get you moving. Make a commitment. Put time, money, or social accountability on the line. Whether that’s investing in a course, posting your intention, or DM’ing your dream to someone for accountability, the step matters more than the size of it.

Growth Lives In Discomfort

Here’s the kicker that Marie writes: “Everything you dream of becoming, achieving, or figuring out exists in the growth zone, a.k.a. the discomfort zone. You must let go, at least temporarily, of your need for comfort and security. You must train yourself to value growth and learning above all else.”

I asked myself this. Would I rather have my kids see me chase comfort OR see me be “courageously terrified” and growing? I want to teach them both are possible. We get to show our loved ones that figuring things out is part of life, even when it’s scary.

Your Insights to Action Challenge (Join In!)

Let’s put this wisdom to work. Here’s this week’s “Start Before You’re Ready” challenge pulled right from the podcast and Marie’s book:

* Recall a moment you started before you felt ready, and gained something valuable. Jot down an example—big or small. For me, pressing “record” on this podcast every single week is a practice in starting before I’m ready. Imperfection is part of the process!

* Reflect on times you delayed, waiting for ‘ready’—and discovered it wasn’t so scary once you acted. I recently had to have a courageous conversation with my husband about my dreams and some changes coming. I was terrified. But as soon as we talked, I wondered: why didn’t I do this sooner?

* Answer this (quick!): What is one bold step you feel called to take right now—even if it scares you? Write it down, say it out loud, make it real. If it’s too big, break it into a micro action you can finish in 10 minutes. The point is starting—taking action builds that “courage muscle.”

* Commit and get skin in the game: How can you invest time, money, or social accountability to take your next step? Sign up for the thing, share your intention, or DM it to me for a little extra nudge! No pressure for a reply—but I’ll cheer you on if I can.

If sharing publicly feels brave, drop a comment! If you prefer quiet accountability, DM me or just tell a close friend. Name the fear and step anyway.

BIG, BREAKING NEWS: My Next Chapter Begins!

You’ve made it this far—and here’s the reveal. This week, after nearly 12 years at my company (from scrappy startup, through merger, through six acquisitions…whew!), I announced a huge change. I’m officially moving from my role as Sr. Director of Product to part time.

Yes, it’s shocking. Yes, it’s bittersweet. This company journey has been wild. I’ve often felt like a second-generation founder (without the official title) and helped stitch together our products with a unified vision. This step is scary and surprising, but it’s all about practicing what I preach: stepping into the growth zone—before I feel “ready.”

Why now? Because I’m building what’s been calling me for years: my own training and consulting business. I can’t wait to pour energy into work that lights me up and makes the positive impact I want to see in the world.

Watch for a special post with all the details soon. To everyone who listens, reads, and supports me, thank you for walking this wild road together. Let’s keep doing it scared, and doing it anyway!

What action will you take today, even if you don’t feel ready? Share, reflect, and give yourself the gift of starting—just as you are.

Whenever you're ready, I can help you with:

* Workshop design and facilitation

* Facilitation and workshop training, including AI Opportunity Mapping, Strategy & Design Sprints

* Intention setting, planning, and incremental progress for success

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit facilitationartist.substack.com