In our fast-paced world, opportunities are lost in the blink of an eye. Innovations are launched, goals are reached, dreams are realized – all while others sit on the sidelines and watch, constantly assuring themselves they will start “soon”. Awaiting the elusive moment when all the stars align, the weather is perfect, and everything feels “right”. But the question to ponder over is – “When would now be a good time to start?”
Procrastination, fear, self-doubt, and a host of other reasons keep us anchored in our comfort zones, stalling the realization of our dreams. But what if we could overcome this non helpful habit? What if we decided that the best time to start is now? This concept may seem daunting at first, but once embraced, it can be liberating, allowing us to push past barriers and move towards our goals with increased momentum.
The key to understanding why “now” is often the best time to start lies in grasping the power of the present moment, the crippling effects of procrastination, and the potential impact of small, consistent steps.
The Power of the Present Moment
The present moment is the only time when we have complete control. The past is a memory, and the future remains uncertain, leaving us with the current moment to shape our destiny. Despite this, many of us spend significant time dwelling on the past experiences or worrying about the many possibilities of the future, instead of focusing on the now. This very moment and choosing to live life on your terms.
Consider the story of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She started with a simple idea to solve a personal problem and ended up creating a billion-dollar company. When Blakely had the idea for Spanx, she didn’t wait until she had more business experience, a completed business plan, or a manufacturing facility. She seized the moment and started with what she had – her savings and a vision.
The Crippling Effects of Procrastination
Procrastination is a common behavior where individuals delay or postpone actions or tasks. Often, we convince ourselves that we will start when the timing is perfect or when we feel more prepared. Yet we know that procrastination can lead to stress, a decrease in performance, and lower overall well-being.
The writer Mark Twain once said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps is an effective way to beat procrastination. By starting now, you sidestep the procrastination trap and take a step, however small, towards your goal.
The Potential Impact of Small, Consistent Steps
It’s easy to underestimate the power of small, consistent actions over time. However, the idea that small steps can lead to big changes is not new. James Clear, in his book “Atomic Habits”, states, “Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement”. He emphasizes that the key to significant results is found in the daily routine.
Or even consider the journey of Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. When Bezos first started Amazon in 1994, it was a small online bookstore operated from his garage. But he didn’t wait until he had a large warehouse or a full staff. He started with what he had, and through small, consistent actions, Amazon grew to become the multinational conglomerate it is today.
A Final Question or Two
So again I ask you, “When would now be a good time to start?” The answer is clear – NOW. No more delays, no more excuses. The perfect moment you are waiting for is here. It’s not tomorrow, next week, or after you have gathered more resources or knowledge. The perfect time to start is now. Set your sights on the desired outcome and start running toward the life you want. Just a heads up your going to zig and zag your way there. However I assure you that if you don’t start your never going to get there.
Stop the delay and start with what you have. Make the best of this moment. Take small, consistent steps towards the life you wake up excited to live. The journey to achieving your dreams starts with a single step.
Why not take that step right now?
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
