This week, I’ve been thinking about something that hits close to home: knowing exactly what action you need to take… and still not taking it. It’s like standing at the edge of a diving board, fully aware you can swim, but frozen because the water looks cold. We’ve all been there, and I want to talk about flipping that script—changing how we see it so we can finally jump.

Here’s the deal: when you know what to do—whether it’s sending that email, starting that project, or having that tough conversation—it’s rarely a lack of skill holding you back. More often, it’s your headspace. Maybe it’s fear whispering, “What if it flops?” Or perfectionism saying, “It’s not ready yet.” Or just plain overthinking, turning a single step into a mental marathon. Sound familiar?

The game-changer is shifting your outlook. Instead of seeing the action as a make-or-break moment, try this: treat it like an experiment. You’re not betting the farm—you’re just testing the waters. That email might land perfectly, or it might not—but either way, you’ll learn something. That project might soar, or it might need tweaks—so what? You’re moving. Action isn’t about nailing it every time; it’s about breaking the stall and building momentum.

I’ve been stuck on that diving board plenty of times. Once, I knew I needed to pitch an idea but kept delaying—too many “what ifs” clogging my brain. Then I reframed it: “It’s just one conversation. Worst case, I get feedback. Best case, it’s a yes.” I sent the pitch. It wasn’t perfect, but it opened a door I hadn’t expected. The shift wasn’t in the action—it was in how I saw it.

So, here’s my challenge for you this week: pick one thing you’ve been avoiding, even though you know it’s the right move. Write it down. Then change the lens—tell yourself, “This is just a test run. I’m curious to see what happens.” Now take the step. Make the call, write the first line, hit send. Small, messy, imperfect—doesn’t matter. Just start.

I’d love to hear what you’re jumping into—reply and let me know! You already know what to do. Now go prove it to yourself.

Until next week,

Justin

​

​

PS - I have a weekly update that I will include on my dreams below, this is something I have been doing personally for more than 2 years now, and it is my guiding light for how I make decisions and decide what I want to be doing and chasing.

If you ever want to became part of what I am creating, you can sign up at www.justindcstephens.com for the Employee Empowerment Initiative.

​

​

Justin Stephens

​​​​​​​​