Choose to Take the Journey

This is the sequel to the popular post Now, Not Later.

“Knowing is not enough, you must apply; willing is not enough, you must do.”
-Bruce Lee

I used to date a girl who epitomized spontaneity. If I told her she should volunteer, she would walk to the nearest hospital and apply for a position the very next day. If I mentioned skydiving, she would make sure we went as soon as we could both take off from work. If we couldn’t due to inclement weather, she made sure we jumped out of the next available plane.

If I mentioned a particular lounge I wanted to go to, she would call me to meet her as she headed out the door. If she wasn’t allowed in because of her sneakers, she would buy a pair of boots on the way. If she had just come from the gym, she would shower and buy a new outfit before meeting up with me. If she needed makeup, she just dolled herself up at the closest Sephora. If this girl had a bucket list, it was an incredibly short one because everything she did, immediately.

During my time with her, her habit of “walk, not talk” rubbed off on me. Now, rather than add another task to my “to do” list or another yearning to my “wish list”, I do it immediately if at all possible. When a friend recommends a new restaurant, I try it out the same night instead of going to an old favorite. When my mother asks me to write a letter, I keep her on the phone as I power on the computer.

Do you have a never-ending “to do” list? Pick something on it right now and do it.

Stop reading. Do it and then come back.

…

Did you do it yet? If not, go do it now!

There, doesn’t that feel better? Doing everything immediately prevents you from feeling overwhelmed. Your mind becomes clear of clutter and mental resources you didn’t know you had become available to do your deeds and pursue your passions.

If something requires multiple steps, focus solely on the first step and get that out of the way immediately. Procrastination is a goblin that loves to gobble up your time and energy. Have you ever had to work on a project or study for a test, but instead of getting started, you took a nap? Then, you worked your tail off for a few hours, only to wake up and realize it was all a dream? You went through the mental anguish, you woke up exhausted, and yet you never even started! You see, it’s better to do it now, not later.

//While reading this, were you able to cross something off your “to do” list? If so, please share below and inspire others to do the same.