Overcoming Hesitation: Alec Rickard on Accelerating Your Career Moves

In a recent LinkedIn post, Alec Rickard discusses the significant impact of hesitation on professional growth, framing it as a major “tax” on a seasoned career. Rickard argues that waiting for external validation or permission is a common trap for capable executives, leading to stalled progress and missed opportunities.

Rickard highlights how this hesitation manifests in various professional scenarios, such as delaying important communications or watering down impactful ideas. He states:

Hesitation is the biggest tax on a seasoned career.

The next move opens when you stop waiting for permission.

The Cost of Waiting

According to Rickard, the longer individuals delay taking action, the higher the cumulative cost to their career trajectory. This delay can lead to a perpetual state of feeling unprepared, even when capable of making the necessary move. Rickard points out that the feeling of readiness often only emerges after one has already begun the action.

The Path to Readiness

Rickard outlines a strategic approach to overcome this inertia and foster momentum. He emphasizes the importance of making decisions before feeling fully ready, suggesting that action itself is the catalyst for feeling prepared. As Rickard notes:

1. Decide before you feel ready
↳ You only feel ready after you have started.

He further advises treating early successes as validation that the chosen path is viable. This perspective, according to Rickard, builds belief and confidence, making subsequent steps easier.

Leveraging External Support and Momentum

Another key insight from Rickard’s post is the power of visibility and community. He advocates for sharing work publicly, even in its imperfect stages, to attract the support of others who can offer assistance. Rickard argues:

4. Move in public even when the work feels rough
↳ Hiding the work cuts you off from people who can help.

Furthermore, Rickard suggests intentionally choosing the next career step to be one that offers a slight challenge. He believes that consistent, small stretches of effort accumulate more significantly over time than infrequent, large leaps. This approach, in Rickard’s view, builds momentum that propels individuals forward.

The Influence of Environment

Rickard also touches upon the importance of one’s immediate environment, stating that proximity to individuals who are self-assured and proactive can positively shape one’s own confidence. He encourages readers to cultivate trust in their own work and show up consistently.

Ultimately, Rickard concludes that by embracing action and leveraging external support, individuals can unlock opportunities sooner than anticipated. This proactive stance, he suggests, not only accelerates career progression but also enhances an individual’s influence and presence.