Overcoming the “I’m Not Ready” Lie: A Visibility Mindset Shift for Entrepreneurs

If you’ve ever whispered, “I’m not ready,” even when you knew you had something valuable to share, you’re not alone. That hesitation is both a professional and personal challenge, and it holds more women back from being seen than any algorithm ever could.

It doesn’t come from lack of talent or skill. It comes from perfectionism and fear of criticism — the invisible belief that convinces you you’re not enough.

The Invisible Belief Holding You Back

We often think visibility is about external things: the right platform, the right camera, the right strategy. But what really keeps women from showing up isn’t outside of us,  it’s inside.

We tell ourselves that until every detail is flawless, we can’t start. Or we fear that if we share our voice, someone will misunderstand or criticize us.

Research shows perfectionism is closely tied to anxiety and depression (Cambridge University Press). No wonder visibility feels heavy when we carry that belief. The American Psychological Association  adds that resilience isn’t fixed — it’s something we can learn and strengthen over time.

That’s why choosing support and self-compassion matters. The path forward isn’t about erasing fear. It’s about deciding to rise anyway.

You don’t have to feel fearless to show up. You just have to rise anyway.

“I’m Not Ready Yet” — The Lie That Holds Us Back

For years, I believed the same lie. I told myself I needed another credential, a better setup, or the perfect timing before I could show up online. But readiness never came.

What changed wasn’t my circumstances, it was my decision to rise anyway.

One of my colleagues wrestled with the same struggle. For months she kept a folder full of draft posts, waiting until she felt “ready.” Every week she would rewrite and polish, but never press publish. Finally, in a moment of courage, she shared one of those imperfect drafts as it was.

To her surprise, the post resonated deeply, people thanked her for her honesty and asked for more. That moment gave her the confidence to keep going. It reminded both of us that readiness is a myth.

That’s why I created The 10 Visibility Commitments , a simple guide that names the mindset anchors that helped me show up, even when fear told me I wasn’t ready.

What Visibility Really Requires to Be Seen

Visibility doesn’t require perfection or fearlessness. It requires rhythm, courage, and consistency.

True leaders don’t wait to be ready. They choose to be seen, even with shaking hands and imperfect words.

For me, that shift became real in New York City. I stood sleeveless in a tank top beside the Fearless Girl statue — arms fully visible. My arms, the part of myself I always tried to hide, were right there in the photo. Posting those images felt exposing.

But the response was overwhelming. Women said they felt seen, understood, and encouraged by my willingness to show what I usually concealed. That moment taught me that realness sparks more connection than any polished post ever could.

When I stopped asking, “Am I ready?” and started asking, “Am I willing?” everything shifted. Willing to learn. Willing to be imperfect. Willing to let people see the messy middle instead of waiting for the perfect end. Willing to rise anyway.

That willingness built more trust than perfection ever could.

Here’s the Truth About Visibility

Your audience isn’t looking for flawless. They’re looking for real. They want your wisdom, your perspective, your story. They need to see you show up so they can believe it’s possible for them too.

You don’t need permission to be visible. What you need is the shift from unseen to seen, from hesitant to confident.

📥 Download The 10 Visibility Commitments  and rise anyway — because your audience isn’t waiting for perfect. They’re waiting for you.