Readiness is overrated

I recently came upon this quote by Seneca (ancient Roman philosopher):

“It’s not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It’s because we dare not venture that they are difficult.”

It’s a piercing insight: perhaps things that are difficult only appear that way because we wait until we're ready, instead of insisting on starting before we are.

Because, of course, you'll never be ready for everything. (And, even among the things for which you are ready, you could probably prepare a little more.)

Absolute preparedness is as much a fallacy as the belief that waiting for the perfect opportunity is effectual.

The truth is, there's no such thing.

No, the way to be ready is to start sooner rather than later. To get going before you’re ready to begin.