Yes, I’ve written about this topic … a lot … and I still get questions about waiting and stalling to take the actions required to pursue your dreams or next chapter. This article focuses on how fear is the underlying culprit and waiting becomes the excuse or trap for staying where you are.
Your fears quietly shape and limit your choices. They keep you waiting for situations and people to change so you feel comfortable moving forward. You may read self-help books and listen to podcasts to motivate yourself. These actions can help. But they often keep you waiting, thinking and dreaming instead of taking the actions required to move forward.
When you fail to acknowledge your fear — that apprehension lurks beneath the waiting. Let’s delve into the fear patterns and learn how to recognize them. This can provide the awareness needed to keep you moving forward and taking the actions required.
Fear Doesn’t Sound Like Fear
It often sounds very reasonable:
- “I’ll start when…”
- “I don’t have enough information…”
- “I’ll be ready when …”
Fear shows up as:
- overthinking
- perfectionism
- procrastination
- staying busy instead of focused
But the underlying true fears are:
- Not feeling safe
- Alone and not belonging
- Ability to make the right choices
Let’s shift these fears:
- from waiting to choosing
- from fear to awareness
- from dreaming to doing
The Parts Most People Miss
What many people miss when addressing these fears – we all have them — learning how to acknowledge them and let them support us in moving forward. Remember, fear doesn’t occur when you’re comfortable. Fear pops up when you need to make changes … whether you want to change or not.
Notice I didn’t say “wait for the fear to dissolve.” Fear isn’t going to do that on its own. You need to acknowledge your fears, take baby steps, and stay in action when the going gets tough.
Fear of not feeling safe.
Inner strength — physical, mental, and emotional — develops when you do the work instead of going through the mental gymnastics and excuses as to why you can’t. Consider hiring a trainer, therapist and coach to guide you through these processes.
Here’s the key: do the work to the best of your ability. (Yes, reread that and write it down.) Over time, you will see an amazing shift in results. Fear won’t be so loud. Let your new attitude shine.
Fear of not making the right choices.
Every choice has a benefit and a consequence. Feel the fear and stop waiting … do the best you can with the information you currently have.
I remember buying a nice new condo that I enjoyed the first few months before it turned into the condo from h$*&. I took a loss when I finally sold it. But since then, looking back, I can see the benefit of having had to move … I now live in a much nicer home.
Fear of being alone and not belonging.
This can be the hardest one for most people who aren’t deep introverts or hermits. The fear of being alone or not belonging has you and others hanging onto friends, family members, neighbors, or community members. This may not be in your best interest.
This fear of letting go keeps you from growing and evolving in your personality, knowledge, and capabilities.
As you move forward, determine who you stay in connection with, and in what circumstances you stay part of a group, because not everyone is rooting for your success.
A client shared about a family member asking, “Don’t you get lonely not attending family get-togethers?”
His reply: “Not really.”
What he didn’t say — because it would have created more brouhaha — was that he often left family gatherings feeling diminished and emotionally beaten up.
As You Move Forward
Stop waiting. It won’t get any easier as time goes on and fear hangs around.
Feel the fear and move forward with awareness and intention. Talk with your coach, therapist, or mentor (or all three) to determine if the fear is valid or just holding you back.
Embrace the freedom available when taking action and enjoying things you’ve put off, ignored, or haven’t yet discovered. Healthful pursuits help you grow and develop inner strength and safety.
Examples:
Take a chance:
- You won’t know if you enjoy golf until you take lessons and play.
- Artistic pursuits? Same thing — take the lessons and see what happens.
Don’t be afraid of one-and-done.
- I really wanted to learn how to ski. It took a while, but I finally learned — and stopped once I hit the intermediate level. I haven’t skied since. My goal was accomplished.
Welcome a new-found goal.
- Publishing books (best sellers). I learned, made mistakes, stopped waiting, and put the fear aside to publish my next books.
The Truth About Fear
- Fear doesn’t magically go away.
- Learn how to acknowledge your fear and stop waiting for that “perfect moment.”
- Listen to your intuition … because there are times fears can be a good friend or ally.
Now … stop waiting and move forward.
©Jeannette Seibly 2026 All Rights Reserved
Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 33 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people in empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.
Fear doesn’t disappear — but your willingness to act in the face of fear changes everything. If you’re ready to shift from waiting to doing, take the next step today and contact me. Your future self will thank you.