The Hidden Power of Launching Before You’re Finished

There’s a new course I’m running right now. Forty weeks long. Big topic. Big commitment. And if I’m being totally honest - I haven’t finished writing it yet. The old me would have panicked at this. In fact, the actual me did panic about it for quite a while. I stalled launching the course for eighteen months because I wanted every week written, polished, and perfect before I let anyone see it. But eventually I had to face a hard truth: I was using “not ready” as a shield from risk. Perfectionism: The Polite Form of Fear Perfectionism disguises itself as high standards, but really it’s fear in fancy clothes. Fear of judgement. Fear of failure. Fear that what we offer might not be enough. And when you’re building a business, those fears can feel louder than any sales pitch or strategy plan. You’ll tell yourself you’re just “being thorough.” You’ll claim you’re “waiting for the right time.” But underneath all of that polish sits paralysis. What if instead of chasing perfect, we chased progress? Because the truth is - readiness isn’t something that arrives one day with a fanfare and a completed slide deck. Readiness is a choice you make in motion. When I finally launched this new course, I didn’t have every detail finished. But I had clarity, intention, and the courage to begin. And you know what happened? The process of doing it live made the content better. Each week, I refined based on real conversations, real needs, real feedback. It became a living project instead of a static plan. That’s the magic of momentum - it gives you information that planning never will. The Coaching Franchise Mindset: Build as You Go For those of you in or considering a coaching franchise, this mindset is everything. When you’re setting up your practice, designing workshops, or marketing your services, the idea of perfection will tempt you into hesitation. You’ll want your website flawless, your offers crystal clear, your confidence unwavering. But in reality, action creates clarity - not the other way around. Each imperfect attempt teaches you more than months of waiting ever could. And in a coaching franchise, your learners, clients, and peers are your co-authors. They help shape your best ideas as you go. Momentum breeds mastery. Hesitation breeds self-doubt. Start before you’re certain. Clarity comes in the doing, not the delaying. Start While You’re Still Scribbling So if you’re sitting on something right now - a workshop, a marketing idea, or a new programme that’s been haunting your to-do list - this is your permission slip to begin before it’s ready. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to know enough to take the first step. Trust that Future You will meet the challenge. Trust that your skills, instincts, and heart are already qualified for the work you’re meant to do. Because some of the best teaching, coaching, and innovation happens when you step forward while still building the path beneath your feet. Start while you’re still scribbling. You’re more ready than you think. by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai) https://www.peoplebuilding.co.uk/franchise