People ask that question all the time. What’s the answer? Both Never and NOW!
It’s never the right time because something is always happening or about to happen or we think will happen. Have you ever thought it would be the “right” time when . . .
Everything is perfect
The kids leave home
You have more time
You have more money
The economy improves
You feel more comfortable
You feel inspired
You have more knowledge
You feel more ready
More friends agree with you
There is no risk
You get the idea; there is always one more reason not to take action yet because there is just one more piece that has to be in place first. Quit “saddling up;” get on that horse and ride. Your future is waiting for you!
Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald’s said,
“There are 3 keys to success: 1. Being in the right place at the right time. 2. Knowing you are in the right place at the right time. 3. Taking action.”
The time to launch your new business, your new project, your new idea is NOW.
Have you been waiting for the right time?
Did you find it became the right time once you got started?
How did you finally get yourself to start in a new business, new health program, new hobby, new routine?
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janet@janetcallaway.com
The Natural Networker Newsletter FREE Personal Development, Business & Health Tips.
Advice which may not appear in my posts.
Janet,
I was going to get off the computer…then I started reading.
“Did you find it became the right time once you got started?” Yes.
What’s interesting, and I see it ALL the time, is that what I expected to happen is only the tip of the iceberg. Jumping in before you think you’re ready is smart, I think. That’s how I get my juices flowing. And you know what else? There’s no way I could have kept a lot of information and instructions in my head unless I applied it, made mistakes and found out what I didn’t know. I don’t know how people live without being bold and courageous. Maybe we’re all a bit afraid of how we’ll look “failing”? I guess I think no one really cares. They just want to see you smile.
AND…I had a pony for years who NEVER waited for a saddle. Those were the best times!
Betsy
Betsy, aloha. Beginning with the end of your comment first, I love that you had a pony who NEVER waited for the saddle. No doubt, you and that pony rode like the wind together thoroughly enjoying life.
Betsy, the other thing about getting started is that it actually makes it easier to get going. To me, the longer you delay, the more “things” you conjure up that are merely distractors and not at all real for the project.
Like you, Betsy, I like to jump in and do it.
Thx so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Betsy, I’ll bet you are smiling thinking about that pony; hold that smile. Best wishes for a terrific weekend. Aloha. Janet
Janet aloha. I believe there is one reason why people don’t want to leap until they can see ‘the net’ in place and that is – FEAR!
In my own experience it’s one of the most crippling of states of mind to be in and also in my own experience, one of the most liberating to be free of.
There are so many reasons why someone can be fearful but at the end of the day all fear is experienced due to not knowing within that the net is always there so it’s always the right time to leap.
More importantly it will never be there if you’re going to wait to see it before you do. This is why some people are permanently ‘on pause’ What a debilitating way of life to accept for oneself and then to get to the end of life and realize that time’s up, for this lifetime anyway.
When we get to the knowing place that the net is always there then you know that no matter what happens it’s the right time to act.
The only way I got to this point was to realize who I truly am, an immensely powerful being who is always protected.
Powerful discussion topic as usual Janet! Thank you for allowing me to express my thoughts here.
Hope you’re having a thoroughly wonderful weekend.
~Marcus
Hi Janet,
I agree with Marcus… fear is ultimately always at the source of why we “wait”. NOW is the only time, but to know it intellectually and to take action are two very different things.
And here’s where it gets real interesting. You may even know that NOW is the only time and know you are making excuses and still not take action! Some stuff is so deep routed that people are just not willing to go there and seek what stops them… not willing to explore their internal conversations.
It’s this simple – have an idea, create a plan, take action. All the other stuff is just conversation and stories we add it it. Crazy.
Anyway, thanks for the post. Even for those who are taking action, it’s a good reminder to refocus and get back to priorities and see what are the things we truly need to take action on to move forward.
Hugs.
P.S. Been meaning to respond back to the last post I replied to (on verbalizing your goals)… can’t find it??? Maybe I’m losing it.
Michele, aloha. “It’s this simple – have an idea, create a plan, take action. All the other stuff is just conversation and stories we add it it. Crazy.” You’re right, of course. Michele, to me it is much easier to jump in and start doing it because the longer I delay, the more reasons I can think of not to take action. Amazing how perceived challenges go away when you start doing.
Good news, Michele, you haven’t lost it. Here is the post on verbalizing your goals:
http://www.janetcallaway.com/tell-me-it-isnt-so-by-janet-callaway-the-natural-networker/
Thx so much for stopping by, Michele. Best wishes for a terrific week. Aloha. Janet
Hey Michele,
It’s important to remember that fear can also be a source of motivation – like running away from a dangerous situation. I like to believe that all emotions, whether good or bad, can give us important information that helps us navigate throughout our lives.
We can never get rid of fear, nor should we want. It’s part of a healthy mind. It tells us we are taking risks, learning, and growing.
I actually wrote a little about this recently at Face-to-Face with your Fear and Anxiety.
Cheers everyone!
Hi Steven,
Of course, yes I agree. I don’t think fear can ever be rid of, nor should it be. It’s a vital component in many ways … not only for the reason you’ve mentioned, but also in a primitive, defensive way.
The fear I speak of is the one that stops us from moving forward in life and in our business. The one that keeps people from taking action or keeps them playing small.
It’s no coincidence that less than 5% of small business owners and entrepreneurs make less than 100K in their business. I don’t think it’s b/c of smarts or know how. I think it boils down to your mindset and what you are willing (or in this case) not willing to do, ya know?
Thanks for the link. I will check it out.
Marcus, aloha. Loved how you started out about wanting “the net” to be there and then arriving at the knowing place of “the net” always being there.
The more in tune with ourselves, with our core values, we become the easier it becomes to do, to take action because we know who we are and where we want to go. We are no longer afraid of “what if I make a mistake” or “what if I fail” because we care more about what is important to us than we do about the opinion of others.
As you say, once we come to that place we can and will take action.
Recently I came across this quote by Wayne Dyer that made me feel so good. Here it is:
“To change one’s life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions.” ~William James
Marcus, while the first and third statements are essential, I absolutely love “Do it flamboyantly.” Reading that made me feel so good and smile. After all, if you are going to do it, do anything, “do it flamboyantly.”
Wishing you a spectacular week, my friend. Aloha. Janet
P.S. Sorry for the multiple respostings. For some reason, it kept showing up in the wrong place.
Marcus, for whatever reason my Reply to you keeps showing up under Michele. Since I have already reposted it 3 times, I am going to leave it because there must be some great cosmic reason that is happening. Or, it could be just a plain old, everyday, garden variety cyberglitch!
Ah yes. The time is now… but I’m scared.
Scared of failing. Scared of looking stupid. Scared of ******* someone off. Scared of not knowing enough. Scared of succeeding. Scared of being alone.
But.. why I push through all that and make my time now.. is my biggest fear. Fear of staying still and not growing. (insert shudder).
Laurinda, aloha. What a perfect response, Laurinda; I absolutely love it. Your WHY is so big and so powerful that you do make yourself push through your fears.
Congratulations to you, my new friend. You are an inspiration to many as you can see in the comments section of the first post to which you responded.
Laurinda, love your (insert shudder) and will have to “borrow” that for future comments I make.
Wishing you a wonderful week, Laurinda. Until next time, aloha. Janet
The one thing that I know for certain is that for much of life there is no right time. There is only now or later to choose from.
And then, Jack, later never comes because it becomes NOW!
Jack, there may well never be a “right” time; there is only time and how we choose to view it.
Best wishes for a terrific week. Until later, aloha. Janet
Aloha Janet,
How true this is- I think this is the problem that keeps 90% of people from reaching their true potential- they keep planning and planning, but never start “doing”.
We’re like a guided missile once we get started- we’ll always have to make little course corrections along the way, but we’re always moving towards out target. But until we start, we’re not even in the game.
Thanks, and have a great weekend!
Aloha,
Doc Seth
~husband, dad, elevator~
Seth, aloha. You’re so right, Seth. We re like guided missiles that, once started, need constant course correction. Perhaps if people thought of themselves as guided missiles they would feel more powerful. Also, they would realize the important thing is to launch because course corrections are inevitable; they are a part of the journey.
Thx so much for stopping by, Seth. Best wishes for a terrific week. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet. I smoked for 17 years, with a break of a year only once. 5 weeks ago I stopped, after moving to a country where cigs are cheaper than food and you can smoke anywhere. I was always going to stop “tomorrow, after the end of the pack. when I was not having such a crap day”, there was always some lame ass excuse I had to keep doing this nasty thing, that I didn’t even like. Now I would like to pretend I had some road to Damascus experience, but the truth goes back to something you mentioned in a previous post, which I keep thinking about ” negative motivators”. I stopped smoking because I was fed up of being scared it was going to kill me, and feeling the deterioration of my health because of it. Sometimes you just have to say today is the day and commit to it. I can’t remember who said it but 99% is a *****, 100% is easy. They were kinda right.
Stacey, aloha and CONGRATULATIONS! That’s fantastic! So are you feeling better? Do you miss it?
What an irony that given where you now live, you have decided to give it up. Obviously, Stacey, the time was right because of the negative motivators. Thx for letting me know.
Stacey, I know exactly the quote you mean and I will have to think of who said it. Or, as Yoda said, “Do or Do not. There is no Try.”.
By the way, I love all the blog posts I read/watched that were inspired by your #nicemanesty post. What a terrific idea that was.
Best wishes to you, my friend, for a magnificent week. Aloha. Janet
“or we think will happen.”
Very strong words. It’s unfortunate that people think this way. They talk themselves out of one of the best opportunities in the world. Quite sad, really. That’s why we are all here. No to force them in to this – but to guide them. To show them. To open their eyes to a whole new world in which they never thought was possible – and to help them along the way!
I usually give this info a little bit more firmly
. I inform people that they are the ones holding themselves back. Nothing else is. If you want something bad enough – you will make it happen. No question about it. I can show you the doorway too success, but I wont push you through it. Again – I am firm. Good or bad – I don’t know. 
Brock, aloha. Right you are; they are the ones holding themselves back. Brock, I like your approach “I can show you the doorway to success, but I won’t push you through it.” People have to be willing to take that step into their future. They have to cross the threshold of “what could have been” to “what’s happening.”
Brock, firm is good. Some people will finally, bravely take that step because of the “command” they feel in the firmness of your advice.
Thx so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Wishing you a fantastic week, Brock. Until later, aloha. Janet
Janet: I enjoyed reading your article very much. Very inspiring. I also like the comment above mines. ( :
The time is NOW. All the time we waste we can never get back. If you got some good ideas floating around in your head go with them. Things might not turn out as you hoped, but you can never succeed without trying.
You can talk and talk and talk about who and what your going to be, but until you start taking action people won’t believe you. It’s pointless to talk about your dreams until you are making them come true.
A while back I read an article by Lisa Irby of 2createawebsite. You might not be familiar with her work, but she would tell her family of your dreams and what she was doing and they laughed at her. After she was able to quit her job by a new car an work for herself no one was laughing anymore.
Anyways, thanks for the awesome article!
God bless,
William Veasley
William, aloha. It is amazing how success has a way of silencing the naysayers. Of course, William, there is a good chance that they are saying “Lisa is so lucky. She did this “thing” on the internet and now she is making a bunch of money. She’s so lucky.” Sound familiar?
What Lisa did was take action and then make course corrections along the way. While she may not have known exactly how everything would work, would fit, she started and figured it out along the way. Interesting that you mention her, William, because her name came up the other day as well. Checking out her website is on my “to do” list.
William, here is a quote from Wayne Dyer that is appropriate:
“Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.”
Thx so much for stopping by, William. Enjoy a spectacular week. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
when reading the title of this post, I knew that I wanted to write in the comment section that if the time never is right, it is always right.
It doesn’t surprise me though that you wrote that at the beginning of this great post.
I think people suffer from a misconception of what “right” is. “Right” doesn’t mean perfect, does it ?
Especially the “no money” excuse i telling: People who say that don’t have money because they use “no money” as an excuse.
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver, aloha. You absolutely nailed it–”Right” does not mean perfect. After all, what would be perfect? To each of us it is something different and, I would venture to say, depending on when we were asked is how we would define perfect.
Just thought of this rearrangement of the letters. What do you think of this, Oliver? History shows that those who OWN their NOW WON!
Best wishes for a magnificent week, my friend. Until later, aloha. Janet
Aloha Janet,
What an inspiring post! There is no better time than now. The biggest problem people are faced with is fear. They are scared to take action, always waiting for the “right” time.
Mahalo for sharing your insights.
All the best,
Mavis
Mavis, aloha. Knowing what all you have accomplished, I know you are a doer. No doubt before you launched “Ultimate Blogging Secrets” or spoke at the Ministry of Traffic event, you could think of lots of reasons why it wasn’t quite the right time and things you should check just to be on the safe side.
To me, Macis, the fastest way to quiet those fears, is to distract them by taking action!
Thx so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Best wishes for a terrific week. Aloha. Janet
Hi Janet,
Recently I have come to realize that it’s always the right time LOL. When I first thought about blogging, I had all the excuses too but jumped right in. I have enjoyed it but admit that when I went on holiday, my blogging took a back seat. Was it the right time to go on vacation while I was finally building a momentum? I have no regrets because I had a wonderful holiday but my ranking did drop.
I am back in action this week and hope to get back into the groove.
All the best,
Diana
Diana, aloha. It is always the right time because you have to start some time. Plus, Diana, look at how our thoughts on blogging have changed since we first started. The only way we learned and evolved our blog was by getting in and doing it.
Diana, from your comments and tweets it sounds like your vacation was fantastic. In fact, I better head on over to your blog because I’ll bet you have some wonderful posts about your vacation and reflections.
While your ranking may have dropped, as you well know, it’s important to have that balance in life. Your ranking will come up when you return to blogging consistently. And, the most important thing, Diana, is your loyal readers will still be there.
Thx for making me one of your first stops on your return to action. Diana, look forward to seeing you soon over at your blog. Until then, aloha. Janet
Like many other business owners, one of the biggest objections I receive from people is that ‘it isn’t the right time’. My coaching clients often offer that excuse up also.
I believe that we always have all that we need to get started, and that is all that really matter. I like the example of the acorn seed:
When a seed is planted in the ground, it does not have to push its way around the dirt, gathering leaf molecules and bark particles, worrying about whether or not it will
find what it needs to become the tree it was meant to be.
We are no different. We are not required to move about frantically looking for all the things we need to accomplish our goal. All we must do is act now on the people and circumstances immediately with us now. Each connection leads us closer to the next necessary connection, just as the acorn in the ground sprouts roots which connect, molecule by molecule with nutrients that already touch the acorn.
Rachel Lavern
Personal Transformation, Enlightenment and Development Coach
“Live without limits because nothing is impossible to you.”
Rachel, aloha. So good to see you again. What a perfect example this acorn story is; thank you so much for adding it to the discussion.
“All we must do is act now on the people and circumstances immediately with us now. Each connection leads us closer to the next necessary connection, just as the acorn in the ground sprouts roots which connect, molecule by molecule with nutrients that already touch the acorn.”
With comments like this, Rachel, I can well appreciate how effective you must be with helping people with personal transformation.
Wishing you a spectacular week, Rachel. Until next time, aloha. Janet
What an inspiring post, Janet! There is so much energy in this one! =) Of course, you’re so right that the right time is now. I’m the master of excuses and need to learn to just get on board.
If I think about it, I’ve made changes happen in my life because I just jumped right in. I try not to think too much; otherwise, the excuses get in the way. My habit is to make hugely drastic changes like study in Japan or move to Peru. I should learn to apply the same principle to smaller-level changes like starting an eBook or revamping my website’s About page, which have been left on the back burner for far too long.
Thanks for shouting this post out, Janet! =)
Sam, aloha. So good to see–and not surprising because I had just been thinking about you. What I was thinking is that I have missed you and I have not even visited your blog to read about your recent trip. Later today, I will rectify that situation.
Sam, while I think it is easier to jump in and do, it is quite possible that what holds you back is the researcher in you. Perhaps you are always looking for that one more piece of information, the perfect word or idea, that will make all the difference. The reason I say it is the researcher in you rather than your lizard brain is because of the fact that you have done so many different things.
Or, Sam, perhaps it is that you specialize in doing things on a grand scale!
On your e-book, I can help you or rather Dahlia can. She is back in action and is building a massive e-book empire. She knows how to do it. Head on over to her blog at thatimthing.com to start educating yourself.
Welcome home, Sam. Look forward to seeing you over on your blog a little later. Until then, aloha. Janet
Ooh! Thanks so much for the encouragement, Janet, and for sending me to Dahlia! We’ve met before, but I had no idea that she was an eBook expert! =)
You’re most welcome, Sam. Dahlia is an absolute delight and an expert in every sense of the word. She has been doing business online for a long, long time. Her story is fascinating.
Hi Janet, What an inspirational post with wonderful comments! I have often lept first, looked later, rarely with regrets. I guess I believe it’s okay to fail because I learn so much from my failures. I mean, without the failures, would the successes mean as much?
Thanks so much for again sharing your inspiration with us!
Carolyn, aloha. Like you, Carolyn, I find it is much easier to leap first or, as Nike says, “Just Do It.”
A very successful gentleman I know also believed in jumping and doing it. He has a great saying. It is: “Fail forward fast.”
Get in, do, fail, get up, move forward. Lather, rinse and repeat! A recipe for success.
Thx so much for stopping by and sharing yoru thoughts, Carolyn. Aloha. Janet
Hey Janet,
YES – “Now” is the only moment we truly get to think, decide, and take action. We can’t go back and change the past, nor go into the future and change it. We can only make ourselves happy and productive in the present moment.
Very wise words. Thanks for sharing this!
Steven, aloha. You’re right, of course. NOW is the only moment we have. What we choose to do with it, determines our future NOWs.
Good to see you again. Thx so much for stopping by. Until next time, aloha. Janet
I agree with the above comments that fear inhibits our willingness to dive it and go for it, whatever that may be. A book I read that has been around for a long time is “The Artist’s Way,” talks about letting out your hidden creativity as well as not listening to the negative voices telling you that you cannot do it. Reading that book helped me realize I could start my blog and just see where it would take me. I have to say it has been a very interesting journey so far, and I feel like I am just at the beginning.
Cathy, aloha. Welcome to my blog; it is always a pleasure to greet first time visitors.
Thank you for mention “The Artist’s Way,” Cathy. Quite honestly I had forgotten all about it and it is excellent. Though it has been around a long time, I am sure there are many who still have not read it.
Cathy, I look forward to “getting to know you” around the blogosphere. Until next time, aloha. Janet
Hi, Janet,
I’d say every moment is the right time to take action!If we wait, there are just more things going to be in our way and stop us from proper reacting.
Your post is very inspiring, by the way, and is a great reminder that we should appreciate each moment in our lives. People who cannot make it through find that blaming the moment is the most easiest thing to do, while it is nothing more than just a cheap excuse.
Janet, I love how your blog entries flow from one to another.. We discussed ownership here and on other social platforms, so I won’t beat that poor horse anymore.. BUT… I like this pearl of wisdom:
The right time is when we get sick and tired of being sick and tired.
When we stop making excuses and rationalizing stuff, then we can see what really needs to happen.. And we’ll find that we’re often holding ourselves back. I do it sometimes, we all do.. It’s part of being human.
Of course, honesty starts with being honest with ourselves. Once we accept our silly ways, we can correct them and quite simply get things done. A wise man once said, “Never miss a moment.” It may have been Jim Rohn (R.I.P.) but, whomever it was, it is a brilliant little quote…
Your thoughts?
Yomar, aloha. “Never miss a moment.” A brilliant little quote that says it all; I agree. It sounds like it could well be by Jim because he had such a talent for delivering a powerful message in a few words.
Yomar, I think it is two things that motivate us to go forward. One, as you say, “is when we get sick and tired of being sick and tired” and the other is when our WHY is so big it compels us to go forward no matter what.
Here are two past posts of mine that speak to that topic. Yomar, you will enjoy both of them.
Seduce Your Lizard Brain: http://www.janetcallaway.com/seduce-your-lizard-brain-by-janet-callaway-the-natural-networker/
STOP! It’s not the What: http://www.janetcallaway.com/stop-its-not-the-what-by-janet-callaway-the-natural-networker/
Yomar, thx so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Until the next time, aloha. Janet
Oh boy, Janet.. Your blog is chock-full of so many good articles. I can spend a whole day exploring it and not get bored. I’ll be sure to check out those recommendations soon!
As for the WHY factor, I think Robert Kiyosaki was the one that urged his audience to have strong WHYs. Without a powerful reason, a purpose or mission, to drive our actions, we’re sure to drift and falter. That’s certainly very true.
Thing is, for those that are struggling with being self-starters, finding that motivation within themselves is tough.. So it may come to that breaking point in which they finally exclaim, “Enough is enough!” Regardless, the desire for real change and fulfillment comes to us but the urgency we embrace makes it sooner, rather than later.
Don’t you agree? =o)