It’s a statement that resonates with every dreamer, every person who’s looked longingly at something they wanted to do, be, or have but thought, I’ll get to it when…. When things calm down. When work isn’t so demanding. When you’ve saved enough. When, when, when. This mindset, though, is the slippery slope of procrastination, and it’s often the real danger to living the life you truly want.
The Trap of “Someday”
It’s easy to push our dreams into an imaginary future. “Someday” seems safe, but it’s a mirage. In reality, someday has no guarantee. Life has a habit of catching us off guard, filling our days with obligations, responsibilities, and unforeseen events. The perfect time to start anything rarely arrives, and waiting for that elusive “someday” can mean never beginning at all.
“I’ll travel when my career is settled,” or “I’ll write that book when I have more free time,” are phrases that ring all too familiar. But here’s the truth: the best time to start is often when it feels slightly uncomfortable. Growth doesn’t come from sitting in perfect conditions; it comes from venturing out of your comfort zone and acting despite the imperfect circumstances.
The Mindset of Action
If there’s one thing that sets the go-getters apart from the dreamers, it’s the mindset of now. It’s deciding to take that first step, even if it’s small. If you want to write a book, start by writing a page. If you want to get in shape, lace up and go for a short run. Starting is powerful. It’s where all great things begin.
The mindset of action isn’t about making massive leaps overnight. It’s about breaking down your goals into manageable steps and doing something each day. This mindset is what separates those who live a life of fulfilment from those who live a life of regret.
The Cost of Inaction
The price of waiting is high. Every time you put something off, you risk losing momentum, motivation, and time. You may not notice it at first, but inaction compounds just as action does. Dreams gather dust. You might look back years later and wonder what could have been if only you’d acted sooner.
The real danger lies in letting life pass you by. Too many people reach the end of their days with a sense of regret, not for the things they did but for the things they didn’t. The opportunities missed, the chances not taken, the adventures that never happened – these are the true costs of inaction.
How to Get Started: Moving Past Procrastination
So, how can we move past the “I’ll do it when…” mindset? Here are a few steps that can help:
1. Clarify Your Why: Know why your goal or dream matters. Is it about freedom, fulfilment, or legacy? Get specific about why this matters to you, and remind yourself often.
2. Set a Start Date: Take control of your dreams by setting a start date, even if it’s today. Mark it in your calendar and treat it as a commitment.
3. Break It Down: Large goals can feel overwhelming, so break them down into manageable steps. Start small but be consistent.
4. Embrace Imperfection: Recognise that things won’t always go perfectly, but that’s part of the journey. Learn to take imperfect action and adjust along the way.
5. Build Accountability: Tell someone about your plans or join a group with similar interests. Having accountability can give you the push you need to stay on track.
The Gift of Seizing the Moment
Acting now has a ripple effect. Every time you choose to act, you build courage, resilience, and belief in yourself. You realise that you are capable of shaping your life, of turning dreams into reality, one step at a time. Instead of watching others live the life you want, you become the one inspiring others by living authentically and unapologetically.
So, here’s a question to ask yourself: If not now, then when? This isn’t just about pushing past procrastination; it’s about honouring the one life you have. The time will never be perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. Start now, and let every moment you embrace make way for a life well-lived.