If you’re waiting for the perfect time to start on your goals, dreams or create something new in your life, don’t. It will never happen.
What is “perfect”? When will it be the perfect time? Tomorrow? When school gets out and your routine changes? When summer is over, the kids go back to school and you have some breathing space? When the kids are out of the house permanently? When you quit your job? Have you asked yourself what needs to be different to make it feel like you can start?
So what are you waiting for? It’s a question I ask myself all the time. It’s the question I asked myself when I started climbing. It’s the question I asked myself when a new career direction called to me. It’s the question I ask myself every morning when I plan out the day.
Perfect is non-existent. Thinking in terms of creating motion can be a more helpful perspective, and the way we gain that is by starting. The very hardest step. But – beginnings are exciting! Don’t be afraid to dive in. Take the leap and reassure yourself that it’s all figure-out-able. You can course correct as needed. Having a map and someone to help guide you along the path is awesome. You can take the step of finding and working with a coach, mentor, or accountability partner to give you the nudge you want. If you’re not ready for that, you can still start. Take that first step and make it happen!
There has been a lot of motion in my life lately and some of it feels pretty unsettling. As many of you already know, I started coaching certification school in January. I researched the program I wanted to be part of carefully before making making a commitment, but actually starting still came with unknowns. Was it the perfect time? Was it even the right time? There was no way to know the answers to that, but I started anyway. I picked a path and started the motion. I’ve spent the last several months immersed in books, classes, coaching, and being coached. It has come with huge learning opportunity and I’m excited about the process.
My partner and I are entering into some big life transitions, including moving out of our little house because Seattle Light Rail is blasting through where we live and displacing us. That feels kind of big. I have to admit that although I’m excited about the idea of new beginnings, there have been some moments when the thought of leaving our home of 35+ years (!) has tugged at some heart strings. We were married in this house. We brought out daughter home from the hospital to this house. We raised her in this house. This funny little default house that we never intended to stay in, but did because it kept life affordable. We don’t yet have a clue about where our next home is going to be but I know we’ll find it. For someone who thrives on routine, this current unknown does indeed feel a bit challenging. I keep reminding myself – it’s motion. I’m learning.
Why am I writing about this in a blog post? Because I want to share the parts of my life that I’m figuring out every day, just like you. To remind myself and you that there is no perfect time for anything. Because I’m hoping that my words and reassurance will reach you at a time when you need to hear them and believe that someone knows and cares how you feel right now at this moment.
Do you have a goal? A dream you want to start working on but aren’t sure how? Start where you are. Get in touch with me. I’d love to hear your story and I’d love to help you begin your journey. We do not learn by standing still. Good things are waiting for us out there.
Your biggest fan,
Jean
