Introduction
Everyone has a dream, something big they want to become in the future. But what happens to an individual who keeps waiting for the right time? Today, I am going to bring to you the story of a young man who was in my locality. Have you ever come across a person who sleeps all day doing nothing? No, no one sleeps all day, but here is where it all gets confusing: people have all the ideas and businesses they want to start, want to start building something, but still keep waiting for the right time. Let me be truthful to you, the perfect time rarely comes.
I once met a young man in my community whose story illustrates this waiting that destroys the future. His talent was just one of those rare ones that could have changed his life, but do you know what he keeps saying to people who advised him to do something with his talent? "I will start next month when things get better for me". Month after month and his waiting continued while his opportunity slipped away. It was not only these opportunities that floated away, but his energy also did. Strength matters in life, so how would he be able to climb the ladder when his strength was no more?
I do not want to keep this as a lesson to myself; there are a lot of people outside there doing the same thing. So in this post, I will share with you what happened to this man. We will be looking at why waiting can destroy a waiting future, and give you some tips that could help you break away from such habits.
The Story of Edward: The Man Who Put His Dream on Pause
In some parts of the world, people may laugh at you because of the occupation or gift you have, but what if this is what will take you far in life? Edward was a young man who grew up in our neighbourhood, just like all of us did. He was a friend to all, and what he was capable of doing, no one had taught him. Not in training school or college, or under someone. He was naturally gifted with gadget repairing. ,
By the age of sixteen, as recounted by my father, the young man was able to fix radios, phones, and small appliances. We all admired this guy's skill and encouraged him to take it further and work to make it huge, but Edward kept postponing.
I will register for a course when I am ready, he will say.
Let me save a little more before I start. His next excuse he will give you
Next year, I will be serious, he kept lamenting
He always had a reason to wait, and while he was doing this, his friends were getting themselves enrolled in vocational schools. Some started learning the new software that came out those years, and some went into starting small businesses. Edward put up no effort; he just remained constant. Is it laziness or what that keeps you waiting?
Years later, I bumped into my friend Edward, and even as I am sitting down writing this, I still remember the tears that gathered in my eyes when I saw him. He was at the roadside in a Kiosk, he looked tired and older than his age. He was still repairing gadgets, but this was just an only side job as per the conversation we had. Edward still worked long hours as a laborer. Looking at him closely, I realized my good childhood community mate had lost the joy that was in him. His face looked sad. He told me with regret, "If I had started earlier when I said I would, things might have been different for me," He said. There are many of us outside there doing this same thing, and if we are not careful, this will slowly destroy our future.
Why Waiting Is So Tempting and So Dangerous
Do not get lazy reading this. We humans love certainty, and we always convince ourselves we need just one more course, or time, or one more paycheck before we can act or do the things we want to do. Psychologists call this "planning fallacy". You underestimate how much time or effort it takes to get started. The truth on the ground is that most successful people began before they felt completely ready. They learned along the way and learned it the hard way.
Sometimes, too, let me tell you, what looks like a thoughtful preparation is actually fear of failure. Starting would mean risking mistakes or fear of disappointment. Waiting might make you feel safe, but as years go by, you are just wasting your time. Assume there is a water shortage in your vicinity, and as the rainwater came, you did not harvest any. What name would you call yourself?
Know also that opportunity windows do not stay open forever. Jobs are ever-changing with different skills being needed in workplaces, industries also change, and the energy of a man will dwindle one day.
What It Costs You To Wait
Have in mind that time is a resource that you cannot recover when you lose it. Enthusiasm is strongest when the idea to do something is fresh; the moment you begin to delay it drains that fire. If opportunities are available for you and you throw them away, someone will come in and fill that gap. Procrastinating will only let you doubt yourself, so have confidence in yourself before it is too late.
Breaking free, what to do
- Start small and start now. You do not need to figure everything out. Just take one step a day, and be consistent in taking that step.
- Your goals should be clear, and write down what you want to accomplish and when you want to accomplish it.
- Some people want to be perfect before they start. This is not the case; just start because mistakes are also part of the process, they are there to teach you, to make you perfect.
- You can share your goals with someone you trust who will guide you each step of the way or encourage you.
- Learn to surround yourself with people who will support and not people who will discourage you in any way or form.
Keep doing this short exercise
- Write down the dream or project you have been postponing.
- Identify the reason why you have been waiting. Is it a lack of time or fear?
- Tell someone you trust about your plan and set a reminder to keep reminding yourself.
My Tip
Always remember that starting does not mean you have instant success. Everything takes time. If Edward had started little by little and not kept postponing, his life would have become more beautiful for him. Time is a gift, and how you use it is how your future will be shaped. Waiting can really kill the future, so I hope you start what you have always wanted to do today. Thank you for staying here with us.
