I’ve learned a lot in my lifetime, but the one thing that has resonated with me the most is accepting that time is no respecter of persons and it is certainly no more loyal to us than we are to it.
When I decided to get a Master’s Degree I was a mom of two, married, working a full-time job and doing volunteer work within my community. I must have been out of my mind to take on such a task! Sure, I could have easily waited until the kids got older or stopped doing volunteer work, but that wouldn’t have made me happy. And while I valued having a family and volunteering, I equally desired to build my own career and I knew if I didn’t make the sacrifice to invest in my growth it would surely impact those I love.
The #1 most important person in your life should be you. I know that may sound selfish, but let me elaborate. Answer this; if you don’t take care of yourself first, how can you truly be of great value to those you love and care about the most? You see, you may desire to do many things in the world – to make your mark, but until you prioritize laying the necessary foundation (i.e. setting goals, educating yourself, making sure you have proper nourishment, sleep, writing that business plan, etc.) you won’t reach your full potential. Soon “next year” will end up being 5 years or 10 years and beyond.
The most common element among my clients is un-tapped potential. We are all guilty of putting off things because we convince ourselves we don’t have the time. Poor Mr. Time; he gets all the blame. But time is not the culprit. Fear and willingness to sacrifice is. We create excuses, “One day I’ll start that business.” or “When I get enough time, I’ll apply for that…..”
When you avail yourself to things that do not align with your purpose nor make you happy, you lose and so do all those people you were destined to help. Once you’ve decided to pursue happiness, time has no choice but to follow.
Those same people you work so hard to please, ask them to help you reach your goals by holding you accountable. Truth be told, people who truly care about you want you to be happy. When you begin to prioritize your happiness it has a contagious benefit for those around you.
So, start now. Your time is now. Yes, right now. Tell your time what to do instead of handing it out as though you are certain there’s plenty of it.
It’s never too late to start, but it is always too early to give up on your goals.