Why You’re Not Stuck, You’re Just Not Ready Yet

Here’s the truth most people won’t say out loud: Opportunities don’t go to the most deserving; they go to the most prepared. You can be a great person, a hard worker, and an accomplished employee and still not be ready for the next thing. What if you’re not stuck, you’re just not ready yet? For many people, feeling stuck is easier because it lets us blame circumstances, point the finger at others, or wait for a better opportunity. If you are not ready, then you are the one who has to take action. This week on the Champion Forum Podcast, we’re talking about how to get ready for your next opportunity and stop feeling stuck. 

Stop asking, “Why am I stuck?” Start asking, “What am I not ready for yet?”

You might not be ready for the next step yet if:

• You avoid difficult conversations.

• You struggle with consistency.

• You get defensive when challenged.

• You blame others for the lack of progress.

• You haven’t promoted others from your team.

• You haven’t mastered where you are right now.

Q: What are some reasons you might not be ready for the next step? How often do people give you honest feedback? How can you encourage people to give you more feedback?

How to prepare for the next step:

• You develop the skills you’ve been avoiding.

• You lean into the conversations you’ve been postponing.

• You ask for feedback and actually listen.

• You build discipline where you’ve been inconsistent.

• You don’t wait for the opportunity; you become the person who can handle it.

• You begin to act like the position you desire now!

Q: Think of a time you saw someone get promoted. What did they do that made them stand out? Did you see them improve in any skills in the few months before they got promoted? Which ones? 

Your opportunity is coming, but the question is: will you be ready when it arrives?

Application Activities:

1. Make a list of the traits you think you would need if you got promoted tomorrow. Then, honestly rate how well you exemplify each of those traits on a scale from 1-10. Finally, write down one way you can improve in each area and commit to improving in at least 2 areas over the next three months. To get more out of this exercise, find a friend, peer, boss, or mentor to help you identify your blind spots and hold you accountable.

2. Has there ever been a time when you thought you were ready for a new opportunity, but really, you were not ready? What signs were there that you were not ready? How did you fix the problem? What habits or mindsets did you have to change to become ready? Write about this situation for a few minutes and use it as encouragement the next time you feel discouraged about your current role or position.