Taking the first step and embarking on a new dream
Have you ever found yourself thinking thoughts like these?
"I'm not quite ready for that."
"It sounds exciting, but it doesn't really fit my life right now."
"I need to finish some other tasks first, and then I can think about it later."
While there can be value in assessing your current situation and making decisions based on that evaluation, there is also a potential danger in this kind of thinking.
The danger lies in the fact that you may never act on your dreams. You might miss opportunities that could take you toward a better and more fulfilling life. By constantly waiting for what seems like the perfect moment, you risk letting time slip away without making any real progress.
The reality is that there is no perfect time. That ideal moment when everything aligns perfectly—a time when you feel completely ready—never comes. The idea of good timing is often an illusion.
Timing can become an excuse. You can easily come up with reasons to avoid pursuing your goals.
"Times are uncertain right now." "I'm too old to start something new." "I need to save more money first." "My kids are too young. I’ll wait until they’re older." "I know what I have, but I don't know what I might gain." "I need to gain more experience and skills before I take the leap."
Some of these reasons may hold some truth, but if you allow them to dominate your thoughts, you remain stuck in your current situation. If you are satisfied with where you are, that is fine. If you aspire to achieve something new, this mindset is a barrier. A dream unacted upon is a dream that fades away.
This idea resonates with a famous quote from Yoda, the wise Jedi from the "Star Wars" movies. When he tells Luke Skywalker, "Do or don’t. There is no try," he emphasizes the importance of taking decisive action rather than just contemplating possibilities. Yoda may be small, but his wisdom is profound.
It’s essential to shift your focus from overthinking to taking action. Each person has unique dreams. As long as you are legal and respectful, there are no right or wrong aspirations. Your dream is yours, and others have theirs. That is how life should be.
What unites us, however, is a choice. We can spend time thinking, evaluating, and waiting for the right moment. Some people may do this for years or even their entire lives.
On the other hand, we can choose to act. We can make that first step, no matter how small it may seem.
You are the best judge of your situation, so I won’t dictate what you should do. However, if you are seeking change, consider these three questions:
What would your life look like if you successfully made the change you desire?
What is the worst possible outcome if you take that step?
What is the simplest first step you can take toward your goal?
Perhaps this isn't just about timing. Maybe the real question is whether you will take action or hold back. Taking that first step could open the door to a new and exciting path in your life.