Stop Waiting for Ready

Hello hello!

I've been thinking about permission lately.

Not the kind you ask for, but the kind you give yourself.

Last week on the podcast, I had Paris Cluff on—a financial coach who's built a six-figure passive income and helps people get their "MBA" (massive bank account). What struck me wasn't just his success, but how he gave himself permission to pivot from traditional financial advising to something that actually served people.

He said something that I’ve always lived by: "If you always do what you've always done, you always get what you've always got."

Simple. True. Revolutionary when you actually apply it.

Here's what I'm realizing: Most of us aren't waiting for more skills, more money, or more time. We're waiting for permission to use what we already have.

I've been diving into the research on this (because I'm nerdy like that), and the data is wild:

• 73% of professionals set impossibly high standards for themselves • 71% of CEOs experience imposter syndrome • People with imposter feelings perform just as well as those who don't • Yet 72% say it's held them back at work

Translation: You're already capable. You're just not acting like it.

Paris talked about helping people find $300-800 extra per month in their existing budgets—not by earning more, but by being intentional with what they already have. Same energy.

In the AI era, this matters even more. While everyone's waiting to become "AI-ready," the people winning are using what they already know + AI tools to accelerate results.

Your lived experience? Your judgment? Your perspective? They're not becoming less valuable, they're becoming your competitive advantage.

So here's your permission slip: You already have everything you need to take your next step. The research proves it. Paris proves it. I'm proving it on 10 acres with two kids and a tech sales career while building.

What's one thing you've been putting off because you don't feel "ready"?

What if you already are?

P.S. - The full Paris episode is live on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. He drops some serious knowledge about turning income into wealth, prepping, and why your emergency fund should include more than just cash.

P.P.S. - If this message resonates with you, I'd love to bring it to your next event. Sometimes permission is exactly what organizations need to unlock their potential. Reply to connect about speaking opportunities.

Building from what we have,

Makeda

The content shared by Seed & Society™ is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this newsletter, blog, or website constitutes financial, investment, or legal advice. All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. Always do your own research and consult professionals before making financial decisions.