I have a favorite saying that goes like this
"Twenty years ago was the best time to plant a tree; now is the second best.”
It's of course not my own saying, but it's one of my favorite.
This seems to suggest that starting something at any time, even if it should have been started long before now, is just as good. I think it’s an amazing way of looking at life.
Age does not matter as there is always room for improvement. Maybe you procrastinated on a task out of fear or simply being clueless about where to begin. So what? It doesn’t count! What counts then and now?
I strongly believe in this perspective. There are moments when I wish I had begun certain things earlier on in my life. Possibly, I intended to learn a new skill or take up a fresh hobby but kept postponing it.
Then I recall these words again. They speak to me like telling me “Hey! You can start at any time!”
It’s important to keep in mind that we are all on different paths. Some individuals may seem like they have everything figured out, however deep down inside, everyone has regrets of things they should have done differently and that is fine. Life is about learning and growing.
For myself, I’ve tried applying this concept to my own life.
There was a time when I would be so hard on myself for not starting some things earlier. Right now though, I try thinking of what am capable of doing today. It’s as if every day is a fresh beginning for me.
One thing that I have learned is that progress does not have to be monumental. Progress comes in small steps too.
Perhaps today I will put aside 15 minutes for practicing the guitar or maybe sign up at last for that online class which I had been considering for some time now. They are all those little steps leading towards what matters most to me.
You know what? That feels good. It feels good to know that I'm actively working towards something, even if it's just a little bit each day. It is like planting seeds for myself.
The main thing is to be nice to you. Thoughts such as ‘’I should have started this earlier.’’ or ‘’I’ll never be adequate enough.’’ can easily crop up but it does not help at all.
Rather, I choose to think positively about whatever situation I am in. I always remind myself that every step forward no matter how small still counts as progress.
So, if there’s something you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t gotten around to yet, here's me telling you to go for it.
You can always start over again. Whatever it’s learning a new skill, pursuing your passion or making some positive change in your life; the power rests with you.
Keep in mind that the best time was yesterday and the second-best time is now. So, what else are you waiting for?