In a recent LinkedIn post, Niluka Kavanagh explores the common human tendency to delay significant career moves due to a feeling of unreadiness, drawing a powerful analogy to the bracing experience of an ice bath.
Niluka Kavanagh suggests that waiting for a perfect moment of readiness is often a futile exercise. Instead, the key differentiator for those who achieve their goals is courage. As Niluka Kavanagh states:
What do ice baths 🧊 and starting a business have in common? You’re never ready for either. Not really.
The post highlights the internal conflict experienced when contemplating major life or career changes, such as pursuing a promotion, leaving a stable job, or launching a new venture. Niluka Kavanagh likens this to the anticipation of an ice bath, where the discomfort is known, and the allure of staying in a comfort zone is strong.
The Illusion of Readiness
Niluka Kavanagh argues that the concept of being 100% ready is often a myth. Many individuals postpone action, waiting for a sign or a feeling of complete preparedness that may never materialize. This hesitation can lead to stagnation, preventing progress and the realization of potential.
According to Niluka Kavanagh:
Readiness is something we don’t ever 100% find. Courage is.
This perspective reframes the challenge from achieving a state of readiness to cultivating the courage to act despite the absence of that perfect state. It implies that action itself can be a catalyst for readiness, rather than a consequence of it.
Standing at the Edge: Embracing the Jump
Niluka Kavanagh’s post offers encouragement to those who feel on the cusp of a significant change but are held back by apprehension. The author posits that this feeling is not a sign of being stuck, but rather an indication of being on the verge of a breakthrough.
The call to action is clear and direct. Niluka Kavanagh encourages readers to embrace the moment and take the leap, asserting:
If this resonated, you’re probably not stuck, you’re just standing at the edge. Jump in.
This sentiment emphasizes that the perceived gap between one’s current state and the desired outcome can be bridged by a courageous step forward. The message is one of empowerment, suggesting that individuals possess the inherent capability to initiate change.
The Aftermath: Warmth and Growth
While the focus is on the initial leap, Niluka Kavanagh includes a crucial reminder about the importance of recovery and self-care after taking such a bold step. The closing line, “Just make sure to warm up after!!”, subtly underscores that significant change requires a period of adjustment and support.
In Niluka Kavanagh’s view, the process of starting something new, much like enduring an ice bath, is challenging but ultimately leads to growth and resilience. The insights shared by Niluka Kavanagh serve as a powerful reminder to business leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs alike that courage, not perfect readiness, is the true enabler of significant achievement.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Niluka Kavanagh on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 21, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →