roxannemestre
March 10, 2025
One year ago, I faced the unknown. I had spent so much time waiting for the perfect moment, but then I had to ask myself: What happens when you stop waiting and take action?
I did something that felt both exhilarating and terrifying—I walked away from a stable corporate career to build something of my own. Walking away from what was familiar wasn’t just about changing paths; it was about stepping fully into what was next, even before I could see the full picture.
We all reach moments like this—where the pull toward something new is undeniable, but so is the weight of uncertainty. The real challenge isn’t making the change itself—it’s learning to trust yourself through it.
But let’s be honest. Even when you know it’s the right move, stepping into something new is uncomfortable. It challenges every story you’ve ever told yourself about safety, success, and self-worth.
So, here I am, one year in. And if there’s one lesson this journey has reinforced, it’s this:
You don’t grow by staying where it’s comfortable.
According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, our brains are wired to resist uncertainty because we equate the unknown with danger. It’s why people stay in jobs they’ve outgrown, relationships that drain them, or identities that no longer fit. The familiar—even when it’s misaligned—feels safer than the unknown.
But growth and alignment don’t live in the familiar. They live in the space where we allow ourselves to move through fear, rather than be controlled by it.
Looking back, I’ve learned three key lessons from stepping into uncertainty:
Your old definition of success won’t fit where you’re going.
I had to let go of the version of success that was tied to external validation—promotions, performance metrics, and ‘doing more’ to prove my worth. Success, I realized, is an internal alignment. It’s about leading in a way that feels true, not just impressive.
Fear doesn’t change—how you respond to it can.
In my corporate leadership roles, I feared making the wrong move—saying yes to something I wasn’t ready for, stepping into spaces where I might not have all the answers, or making a decision that could shift the trajectory of my career. As an entrepreneur, that pressure didn’t vanish—it just shifted. The difference? I learned to challenge it instead of obey it. Fear isn’t a stop sign. It’s a signal you’re doing something new and growing. When you stop letting it dictate your actions, you start leading on your own terms.
Small, aligned actions build confidence—not the other way around.
People think they need confidence to take action. The truth? Confidence comes from action. Every time I made a move that aligned with my vision—whether it was launching my first offer, saying yes to a speaking engagement, or trusting my instincts—it built momentum.
If you’re in that space where you know you need to make a change, but fear is holding you back, here’s what I’d tell you:
Clarity makes action easier.
Change feels heavier when you’re only focused on what you’re walking away from. Instead, shift your attention toward what you’re stepping into. What’s calling you forward? How does it change the way you show up? How does it shift your life, your relationships, or your impact? The more clearly you define it, the more confidently you can step into it.
Make the shift smaller.
Big changes don’t happen all at once—they happen through small, intentional steps. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Maybe it’s shifting how you show up in conversations, speaking up in a space where you’d normally stay quiet, or making one decision that aligns more with who you are instead of who you think you should be. Progress, not perfection, is what creates real movement.
Your inner critic will always have something to say—but you don’t have to listen.
That voice in your head? The one that questions whether you’re capable, whether now is the right time, whether you’ll fail before you even begin? That voice isn’t the voice of truth—it’s the voice of conditioning. Remind yourself—there was a time when everything you’re doing now was once unknown, too. And yet, you figured it out. This is no different.
One year ago, I took a risk that changed everything. It wasn’t easy. But it was necessary. And if you’re sitting at a similar crossroads, I’ll leave you with this:
Confidence isn’t built in your head—it’s built in motion. Your next level isn’t waiting for you to feel 100% ready. It’s waiting for you to take the first step. Are you ready to take it?
What’s one shift you know you need to make—but haven’t stepped into yet? Drop a comment or message me—I’d love to hear your thoughts.