I'll do it after I get my degree...
I'll do it after I get settled at my new job...
I'll do it after I save up enough money...
I'll do it after the kids go off to college...
I'll do it after I retire...
Sound familiar? So many of us fall into this pattern when it comes to making big decisions or taking on life changes. We tell ourselves we’ll start when everything’s lined up perfectly—when the bank account is just right, or we’ve gained enough experience, or we feel totally prepared. But deep down, we know that day may never come. This mindset, where we keep deferring what we really want to do, is what I call the “deferred-life plan.” And if we’re not careful, it can keep our dreams stuck on the horizon, always just out of reach.
If you’re finding yourself in this place—waiting for the 'perfect time' to start something important, like launching a business, chasing a passion, or making a big change—let this be your friendly reminder that there’s no such thing as the perfect time. The truth is, you're never going to feel totally ready. And that’s perfectly normal.
The Illusion of the “Right Time”
One of the biggest myths we tell ourselves is that there will be a perfect time to start. We think that once we have enough money, experience, or confidence, everything will fall into place, and we’ll finally be ready to take the plunge. But this is an illusion.
Life is unpredictable, and circumstances will never be perfectly aligned. There will always be something—another bill, a health challenge, a lingering doubt—that makes you think it’s better to wait. But waiting for the “right time” often leads to indefinite delays, and before you know it, years have passed and your dream is still on the back burner.
Embracing Imperfection
The people who succeed aren’t the ones who wait for things to be perfect—they’re the ones who take action in the face of imperfection. They understand that starting, even when the conditions aren’t ideal, is the real key to making progress.
Here are some practical tips to help you stop waiting and start taking action:
- Set Small, Actionable Goals: Start by setting small, manageable goals that you can achieve quickly. This builds momentum and gives you the confidence to tackle bigger challenges.
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Perfection can paralyze you. Just aim for steady progress. Every step counts and moves you closer to your goal.
- Learn as You Go: You won’t have all the answers when you start, and that’s okay. The best learning often happens along the way.
- Take the First Step: The hardest part is getting started. Pick one small thing you can do today and just go for it.
- Surround Yourself with Support: Seek out others who can encourage you and provide guidance. A supportive community can make it easier to take risks and push through uncertainty.
- Embrace Discomfort: Growth is uncomfortable. It’s okay to feel uncertain or uneasy when you’re trying something new. Use that discomfort as a sign that you’re stretching yourself and moving in the right direction.
The Vana Lab Launch: A Journey of Imperfection and Progress
These principles are close to my heart because I’ve been putting them into practice myself as I launch Vana Lab—a new program designed to help middle and high school students build essential life skills and habits for success. Starting Vana Lab hasn’t been without its share of uncertainty and challenges. But if I waited for everything to be perfect, I might never have started at all.
So, I embraced the messiness and focused on making steady progress. Now, I’m excited to share that Vana Lab is officially launching.
Vana Lab is about helping young people tackle life’s challenges with confidence and purpose. It’s about equipping them with the tools to set big goals, take ownership of their lives, and navigate the ups and downs with resilience.
If this resonates with you—whether you're a parent wanting to give your child a leg up in life or someone looking to support the youth in your life —I'd love for you to be a part of this journey. Feel free to visit our website, sign up for an info session, or share any feedback you might have. Join our mailing list to get the most recent updates. If you're on social media, you can follow Vana Lab on:
It's still the early stages, but we have to start somewhere!
Back to You
Stop waiting for the right time. The perfect moment is a myth, and the only time you truly have is now. What's something that you've been putting off? Take that first step, no matter how small, and start living the life you want today. Let’s stop waiting and start creating the future we want—together.
Photo by Kunj Parekh
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