When I entered high-school, they gave us a goal to aim for, and it both terrified and thrilled me. We were told that if we displayed leadership skills, confidence, and responsibility, we could become prefects. 

For a 13-year-old, new to the dizzying heights and terrifically grown-up world of high-school, this seemed like a wonderful goal to aim for, akin to the presidency for newly post-pubescents. But as I stood in the assembly quad, looking at the kids around me, ranging in age all the way up to 17, and full of attitude, I recall posing a simple question to myself: ‘How on earth could I ever tell any of these other kids to do anything? They’re all bigger than me, and they’re all more confident.’ 

Of course, I had missed the obvious. I wouldn’t be 13 when I got there. I would be one of the big kids, and everyone else would be younger, less experienced, less confident. 

It sounds obvious, but we look at a surprising number of our ambitions this way: ‘There’s no way I could…’

The reality is that this emotion is only partially correct. It should be amended to: ‘There’s no way I could right now… However, the journey will prepare me. By the time I get there, I will be able to.’ 

What is your highest ambition for your career? Do you in any way hesitate because you feel you are ‘not ready'?

It’s not the right way to think. Start aiming for it now. Start actively working toward it. The journey will prepare you. Once you arrive at that point in time, you’ll discover that telling another kid to tuck in their shirt and get to class is the easiest thing in the world. Don’t let the fear of unpreparedness deter you from the journey that prepares you. Boldly begin, and you could own your industry. 

Douglas Kruger is a professional speaker on the business circuit, and an inductee into the Speakers Hall of Fame. He is also the author of six business books (and counting) with Penguin. See him in action, or book him as the motivational speaker at your next event, at www.douglaskruger.com