How to Stop Waiting for Permission & Start Taking Action

Why Waiting for Permission Is Holding You Back & How to Stop

Ever catch yourself thinking, “I just need someone to tell me it’s okay to do this”?

Whether it’s changing careers, starting a side hustle, saying no to something that drains you, or just being your true self – so many of us wait. For what? Approval. Validation. A green light. But here’s the truth:

No one’s coming to hand you permission.
You’ve already got it.

The Real Reason You’re Waiting For Permission To Take Action

Waiting for permission is often disguised as being “considerate” or “realistic.” But more often, it’s fear in a fancy outfit.

• Fear of failure.
• Fear of judgment.
• Fear of standing out or disappointing others.

But while you’re waiting, life doesn’t pause. Opportunities pass by. Confidence takes a hit. And your sense of agency – the belief that you can steer your own life – shrinks.

So, why do we wait? Here are some common reasons:

• We’re taught to play it safe. Many of us were raised to follow rules and seek approval – especially from authority figures.
• Perfectionism. We don’t want to get it “wrong,” so we wait until it’s “right.”
• Fear of rocking the boat. We worry how others will react if we break the mold.
• Comparison trap. “Who am I to do this?” becomes our inner soundtrack when we see others who seem more qualified.

And while these reasons make sense – they’re deeply human – they don’t have to define your choices. Once you see what’s been driving the hesitation, you can start shifting from waiting to acting. The goal isn’t to bulldoze past your fears, but to gently reclaim your voice and momentum. Let’s look at how you can start doing that in real, practical ways.

How to Stop Waiting and Start Taking Action Today

Here are 5 practical steps to shift from permission-seeker to decision-maker:

1. Ask Yourself: Whose Voice Are You Hearing?

Is it your parents’? A teacher from the past? Society?
Write down the voices you think are holding you back.
Then ask: Do I still want to live by their rules?

2. Flip the Script: “What If I Already Had Permission?”

Try this thought experiment:
Imagine someone gave you a permission slip today that said:
“You’re allowed to pursue what’s in your heart.”
What would you do differently this week?
Now… do it. No one needs to sign off on your dreams but you.

3. Start Before You’re Ready

The perfect moment doesn’t exist. Action breeds clarity.
Waiting won’t make fear disappear – but doing the thing will build courage.

4. Own Your Wants Without Apology

You don’t need to justify your goals with logic that pleases everyone.
Saying, “I want to” is reason enough.
Practice it:

• “I want to switch careers.”
• “I want more rest in my schedule.”
• “I want to express myself freely.”

Say it. Claim it.

5. Surround Yourself with Empowering Voices

Seek out people who cheer you on, not those who keep you stuck.
Read books, listen to podcasts, and connect with communities that remind you: You’re not selfish, foolish, or unrealistic for wanting more.

Every meaningful change starts with a decision to back yourself.

Not because you have all the answers, but because you trust that you’ll figure it out as you go. You’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to try, to fail, to pivot, and to grow. No one else needs to co-sign your dreams for them to be valid. That shift – from asking “Am I allowed?” to saying “I’ve decided” – is subtle but powerful. It’s the kind of mindset that moves you forward when everyone else is still waiting on a sign.

The more you practice acting without external approval, the easier it gets. That might look like speaking up in a meeting, starting the project you’ve been putting off, or setting a boundary you’ve been scared to enforce. These aren’t loud, dramatic moves – they’re quiet acts of self-leadership.

So, in short…

Permission isn’t something to wait for – it’s something you give yourself. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You never know what might be waiting on the other side!