Sometimes we stop ourselves from jumping into something that …
is a big commitment,
will take a ton more time than we have to give,
will take too long to accomplish,
seems really difficult,
we don’t know exactly how to do,
we can’t be sure will turn out OK,
forces us to step up and into our genius,
for whatever reason feels …scary.

So we justify or rationalize in our head that we’ll wait until tomorrow, or next month, or next year. Suddenly it is that “next” delineation of time and we’re no more willing to take it on. Maybe that hesitation is there for good reason and is keeping you safe. Maybe it is just fear or ego and not in your best interest. It is worth it to figure out which it is so that you can release the idea forever or prepare to move forward.

Next-month-next-year-youll-wish-you

In 2000 (yes, I’m dating myself here), I had to decide whether or not to take on graduate school. Logically it didn’t make a lick of sense. I was young in my career and could wait. I was in a corporate job that had me on a plane almost every week; working 50-60 hours + travel every week. In my spare time I was the head of a very active, county-wide political organization during a significant election year, and involved at the state and national levels. Plus I was in my mid-twenties just having a lot of fun out with friends. Starting graduate school in the midst of that was a terrible idea.

But I did it. I did it because I wanted it and my desire was bigger than my fear or excuses. I did it because time marches on. If I didn’t start, then in two years it would still be 2002…I just wouldn’t have a masters degree.

So I did it, and it was difficult for all the reasons I anticipated. I even had to do some crazy things to make it work. For example, I hauled an extra piece of luggage on a work trip halfway across the country with all my thesis research materials so that I could work on it back in the hotel each night after 12 hour days. You do what you have to do when you’re committed. I wouldn’t change my decision for anything.

Now I frequently remind myself of that time in my life when I’m fuzzy about taking action on something that seems big, hard to squeeze into my life, or is going to take a really long time to complete. I weigh how much I really want it and what kind of difference it will make in my life, against the “reasons” I’m using to hold back. Sometimes it really is best to hold off for a while. I have to admit, I’m really good at rationalizing why not to do something right now (when it is just fear holding me back). More often I’m reminded of the reality that time waits for no one. Now is the time to take the leaps of faith. Now is the time to take the first few steps of a long journey. Now is the time.

Here are my questions for you:

  • What do you keep saying you really want, but you keep putting off to tomorrow, next week, next month, next year?
  • What would you gain if you did it?
  • What if you started now? How would your future look differently?
  • If you don’t start now how will that impact your future? Will things be the same as they are now, better, or worse?
  • What’s the worst case scenario? Can you handle it? If so, do it.
  • Even if you took action today and it didn’t turn out like you hoped, what good would still come of the experience? Would you at least shift the energy in the direction of your dreams?
  • How can you make it work?
  • How will you feel if you never take action and the option to do so disappears?

This applies to all aspects of your life and business.

I’m writing this near the New Year, but this isn’t about resolutions. It is about realizing that the time is now. If you don’t start now, next month it will be _______ and you still won’t be any closer. Next year it will be ___________ and you still won’t be any closer.

Time flies and you can never get it back. Start now.

To your intuitive leaps of faith.

Becca

Originally posted January 7, 2015

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