Words of encouragement are great. But the most meaningful response to someone’s belief in you is action. Not promises or explanations. Just consistent movement. Even slow movement is enough. Because it says, “I heard you. I’m doing something about it.”
It is tempting to stay in the zone of conversations and coffee chats and career advice. That space feels safe. But eventually, it becomes a distraction. Talking about your goals is not the same as working on them. And while your mentor might keep showing up, their words will start to feel empty if they are not met with energy on your side.
You do not have to wait until you are confident. Most people never feel ready. But if someone has given you their time, their trust, their belief, the most respectful thing you can do is try. Not for them. But because you are the one who has to live with what happens next.