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Why Waiting for Clarity Is Keeping You Stuck

If you’ve been waiting to feel clearer, more confident, or more “ready” before launching your business, your offer, or your next idea, you’re not alone.

In fact, this is one of the most common reasons digital entrepreneurs stay stuck, even when they feel deeply called to create something meaningful.

This post is adapted from the first episode of the rebooted Your Online Business Mentor podcast and the first day of a 21-day series called From Purpose to Impact.

And it starts with a truth that changed everything for me. 

Waiting for clarity is often the very thing keeping you stuck

For years, I believed clarity was something I needed before I could take action.

From about 2014 to 2020, I lived in a constant state of “almost.”

• Almost ready.
  
• Almost confident.
  
• Almost clear.
  
• Almost launching.

I had ideas, experience, skills, and a strong desire to help others. But instead of moving forward, I stayed stuck in overthinking, imposter syndrome, and fear of making the wrong decision.

I told myself I was being responsible. That I was being careful. That I was just waiting for clarity.

But if I’m being honest, I was afraid. Because choosing meant committing. And committing meant I might fail. And failing felt personal.

What changed everything for me in 2020

After six years of dreaming about starting a digital business, I finally made a decision.

I left my corporate job without having everything figured out. I didn’t know what my long-term niche would be. I didn’t have a perfect plan. I didn’t feel completely confident. But I moved anyway.

• I picked a business name.
• I bought a domain.
• I chose an audience to serve.
• And I launched my first course before it was even built.

Was it perfect? Not even close.

Is that still the business I run today? No.

But it was the thing that got me moving. And that’s when I learned something that changed how I approach everything in business.

Clarity doesn’t come before action, it comes from action

I didn’t discover my true direction before I started.

I didn’t even discover it when I started.

I discovered it by launching, again and again.

Through action...

• I learned how I like to teach.
• I learned what my students actually needed.
• I learned what energized me and what didn’t.
• I learned how to support real transformation, not just deliver content.

Clarity came after commitment. Not before.

This is why waiting to feel perfectly clear can keep you stuck for years.

Clarity is not something you access in isolation. It forms when you move.

Why overthinking feels responsible, but isn’t helping

Many entrepreneurs say things like:

• “I don’t know what my next step is.”
• “I don’t want to pick the wrong thing.”
• “I don’t want to waste time or money.”

You’re not wrong for wanting clarity. But clarity doesn’t appear while you stand still.

You don’t get the full map before starting the journey. You get the next turn once you’re already walking.

If you’re standing still, staring at the map, hoping it will magically fill itself in, you’ll stay exactly where you are.

Movement reveals direction.

Being unclear doesn’t mean you’re not ready

Being unclear usually means you care deeply about doing this well.

But indecision has a cost.

• It costs momentum.
• It costs confidence.
• It costs time you don’t get back.

If I could go back and talk to the version of myself who spent years waiting, I would tell her this:

• You don’t need to see the whole path.
• You just need to take one step.
• One offer you’re willing to launch.
• One audience you’re willing to serve.
• One decision you’re willing to learn from.

Nothing about your first step locks you in forever. You are allowed to evolve, refine, and recalibrate along the way. I am proof of that.

From Purpose to Impact

This season of reflection, including the rebrand from Banish Business Clutter to Launch with Lydia and the reboot of my podcast, led me to create this 21-day series.

Because when I look back over my journey, and the journeys of so many entrepreneurs I’ve worked with, I see the same pattern again and again.

People feel called to create something meaningful, but hesitate to launch what’s in their heart.

This series is about naming those fears, answering real questions, and helping you move forward, even when everything doesn’t feel fully clear yet.

Purpose turns into impact through movement, not perfection.

Your Action Step for Today

If clarity could only come after action, what is one small step you’re willing to take this week? Remember...

• You don’t need a full plan.
  
• You don’t need a perfect launch strategy.
• You just need to take the next step.

That’s how purpose turns into impact.

Submit Your Question for the Podcast For Your Chance to Win

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what to launch next, you’re invited to submit your question for the podcast.

Many of the episodes in this series are inspired by real listener submissions. 

When you submit a question, you’ll also be entered into the listener giveaway for access to programs designed to support your journey.

Submit your question by the end of February. Go to youronlinebusinessmentor.com. 

Follow the Podcast 

This post is based on Day 1 of a 21-day podcast series. Follow or subscribe to Your Online Business Mentor so you don’t miss the conversations ahead.