Opportunities are like sunrises — if we wait too long, we miss them.
Too often we waste our time waiting for the ideal path to appear. But it never does of course. Because we forget that paths are made by walking, not waiting. Let this be your wake-up call today!
If we always sit around until we feel 100 percent ready for the journey, we will likely be sitting around for the rest of our lives. Most of the time we just have to get up and go for it. And no, we shouldn’t feel any more confident before we take the next step. Taking the next step is what gradually builds our confidence. Now is the time!
Yes, it’s finally time to admit that…
1. We often wait way too long to explore the things that call to us.
The world isn’t really as it is, but as we see it, and we all see it differently. So if you spend all your free time following trends and doing what everyone else is doing, you’re missing out. Try things out for yourself — try many things. Explore! See what calls to your soul, or what entices you to step forward, and then go for it. Find out everything you can about it. Find other people who love it too. Don’t waste precious time pretending to like things just because other people do — don’t end up with a bunch of mismatched circumstances in your life. Enjoy what you enjoy, listen to your intuition, and you will end up with more circumstances in your life that make you feel alive.
2. We often wait way too long to take meaningful action.
Some people wait all day for 5pm, all week for Friday, all year for the holidays, all their lives for happiness. Don’t be one of them! The world does not owe you a living; you owe the world a life. So stop daydreaming and start DOING things that matter. Take responsibility for your life today — take control! You are important and you are needed. It’s too late to sit around and wait for somebody to do something someday. Someday is now; the somebody the world needs is YOU.
3. We often wait way too long to trust ourselves with life’s challenges.
Just because you’re struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. Every great success requires some type of worthy struggle to get there. So give yourself some extra credit along the way. Remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can, and that sometimes it takes an overwhelming series of little breakdowns to have an undeniable breakthrough. When in doubt just take the next small step. Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Truly, there’s a time and place for everything and every step is necessary. Just do your best right now, and don’t force what’s not yet supposed to fit into your life. It will happen, when it’s time.
4. We often wait way too long to appreciate what we have.
We often take for granted the very aspects of our lives that most deserve our presence and gratitude. How often do you pause to appreciate your health, your family, your home, or other seemingly stable fixtures in your life? Remember, nothing in life is fixed or guaranteed forever. Living in the present is a basic notion, but as with most simple things we often find a way to complicate it. So check yourself — there’s nothing complicated about learning to notice and appreciate your life as it’s happening.
5. We often wait way too long to be kind to others.
When you grow older and you look back on your life, you will inevitably forget a lot of the stuff that seemed so important when you were young. You probably won’t remember what your high school GPA was. You will look at your old classmates on Facebook or Instagram (or some other social network) and wonder why you ever had a crush on that person. And you will have the toughest time remembering why you let certain people from your past get the best of you. But you will never forget the people who were genuinely kind — those who helped when you were hurt, and who loved you even when you felt unlovable. Be that person to others as often as possible. (And as you know, what goes around eventually comes around.)
6. We often wait way too long to be kind to ourselves.
More likely than not, the first person who caught your eye wasn’t “the one.” And the second, third or fourth probably wasn’t either. You know why? It’s because YOU are the one! Seriously, in your own life it’s important to know how spectacular you are. You really have to look in the mirror and be kind, because what we see in the mirror is often what we see in the world. Our disappointment in others often reflects our disappointment in ourselves. Our acceptance of others often reflects our acceptance of ourselves. Our ability to see potential in others often reflects our ability to see potential in ourselves. Our patience with others often reflects our patience with ourselves. You get the idea — you’ve got to show yourself some love and kindness, first and foremost.
7. We often wait way too long to embrace the truth.
Too many of us prefer gentle lies to hard truths. But make no mistake, in the end it’s better to be hurt by the truth than comforted by a lie. And lying is a cumulative process, so be careful. What starts as a small, seemingly innocent lie (possibly even with the intention of not hurting anyone) quickly spirals into an mounting false reality. We lie to one another, but even more so we lie to ourselves most often to protect our “oh so fragile” egos. We may even be inclined to lie to ourselves while reading this, not wanting to admit how often we have eluded the truth. (Note: Angel and I discuss this in more detail in the Relationships chapter of “1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently”.)
8. We often wait way too long to create and maintain healthy boundaries.
Your mind is your private sanctuary; do not allow the negative beliefs of others to occupy it. Your skin is your barrier; do not allow others to get under it. Take good care of your personal boundaries and what you allow yourself to absorb from others. And if someone in your life is constantly being disrespectful‚ call them on it. If things don’t change, you need to limit the amount of time and influence they have in your life. We need people in our lives who challenge us respectfully, so we can see things from new perspectives, but we don’t need to be constantly torn down by those who don’t respect us. Bottom line: Distancing yourself from people who always give you negative vibes is self-care. Stepping back from situations where you feel unappreciated or disrespected is self-care. Choose to honor your feelings and boundaries, gracefully.
9. We often wait way too long to close old chapters in our lives.
You’re going to mingle with a lot of people in your lifetime. You’re going to have first kisses you feel all the way down to your toes and think “Oh my gosh, I love him,” but really… you loved the kiss. You’re going to meet a friend you think you will know forever, but then something will change and you two will go your separate ways. You’re going to explore different parts of your life with different people who aren’t in it for the long haul, and that isn’t a bad thing. Life is a series of stories, and the way our stories intersect is remarkable. Sometimes people are in our lives for the whole story. Sometimes they are in just a short chapter or two. It takes a brave person to know when that chapter is over, and then to turn the page. Be brave. And remember that almost every “goodbye” you receive in life sets you up for a new “hello.”
10. We often wait way too long to accept and flow with life.
Don’t stress over things you can’t change. Live simply. Love generously. Speak truthfully. Work diligently. And even if you fall short, keep going — keep growing. In the end, loving your life is about trusting your intuition, taking chances, losing and finding happiness, cherishing the memories, and learning through experience. It’s a long-term journey. You have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting every step of the way. Laugh at the confusion, live consciously in the moment, and enjoy your life as it unfolds. You might not end up exactly where you intended to go, but I promise you will eventually arrive precisely where you need to be.
Now, it’s your turn…
Yes, it’s your turn to stop waiting and start paying attention to the beauty and practicality of living a more intentional life as you wrap up this year and head into the next. But before you go, please leave Angel and me a comment below and let us know what you think of this essay. Your feedback is important to us. 🙂
Which one of the points above resonated the most today?
Finally, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Photo by: Adam Lerner
MJ says
This resonated with me and I included it my daily journaling. I know what has been calling to me and I plan to pursue it. Also will be working on closing an old chapter.
Deng says
Hat off for such amazing article. I love all the points but point 2,7 & 9 resonates the most to me.
Keep the light on!
Micki says
I took screen shots and made notes on having boundaries and the final points that start with living simply. I am so torn in a hard relationship. Trusting my intuition is not easy. I have been greatly deceived and have paid dearly in the past. I also can’t deny that I am deeply unhappy in my life. I cannot change anything but mindset and my choices. Here lies the problem. I don’t trust myself and am afraid.
Thank you for sharing this important article. I need to challenge my ‘stuck’ patterns and be brave, no matter what that looks like.
Mary Andersen says
Sometimes someone has to step out in faith before they can see the outcome. Also avoid telling others your plans: share what you have done!
Jeri says
Hi Marc and Angel. I just recently started following you just a few months ago, and each essay Ive read so far, has really enlightened me SO much! It seems like you are talking directly to me and the life I’ve lived…and living now. ALL of the points in this essay resonated with me, with point number 6 being the most powerful…learning how to love and be kind to myself again…
“Our patience with others often reflects our patience with ourselves. You get the idea — you’ve got to show yourself some love and kindness, first and foremost.” I am seriously working on that, for sure! Thank you both, SO MUCH, for this wonderful and helpful forum, with so much insight and encouragement. Keep up the good work, and I pray that God will continue to bless you both in your daily lives!
G says
I am always eager to read your emails regarding your deepest thoughts and feelings about life. I feel you have a profound sense of meaning about how to see life and all the experience that come to be in the present. Every time I read your emails; I feel full of life. I feel stronger, beautiful, and brave. Thank you.
Susan Bien says
I feel the same way. Marc n Angel help me realize life is short take risks n do what u want or at least try! Good luck to you
Thomas LaRusso says
I took a few good personal development courses some 40 years ago. A lot of what I realized then is what I’m reminded of when I read your articles today. I will be reading and enjoying them the first thing in the morning along with my coffee. Thank you.
Janice says
“Life is a series of stories” I love this. I’m trying to be brave and change my life… again. Apparently it’s going to be a new story and I’m already living it. Closing the previous chapter has been a struggle but I am there. Whatever today brings I am here for it. Thank you for an inspirational message of hope.
Wakenia H. says
Thank you for this post, I have been following your blog essays since about 2011-2012 and each form of wisdom has been instrumental to my growth and development throughout the years. Reading your post today encourages me to look within my own life to make a personal decision to live purposefully and intentionally to prevent a future of guilt that could lead to heartache. My mission and desire are to move forward toward a present and future filled with love, peace, and less lingering regrets.
Abigail says
Thank you much. All those points ring true for me from my life experience. I sometimes wish I had learnt this earlier in my life, like in my 20s and 30s. But now I can live out this message as an example to my adult children and the young children I teach. Be blessed.
Ashna says
Points 1, 2 and 4 resonated with me. I read and re-read this essay multiple times just now. It’s so honest and practical and definitely motivating…gently pushing me to make the change necessary. Thank you!
Patricia Elana Brooks says
Probably number 7. Not only embracing the truth but having the guts to admit the truth. I mean not holding back and excusing behavior because it may hurt our feelings or someone else’s. I think that’s one of the hardest things to do – face and embrace the truth on the daily when you’re going through a hard season. But I’m making progress..
Eileen W. says
Thank you so much for this post. It is very timely for me. I have a big decision to make and I’m too nervous to make it.
You have inspired me to do it.
Thank you.
Bold Eagle says
Hello Marc and Angel, thank you again for all of your words of encouragement.
The paragraph that touches me deeply was #10. We often wait way too long to accept and flow with life.
Life is a gift, as we all know. We better enjoy the ride. Be happy when happiness is present, even though for a moment.
Be true to yourself, Love
JOAN M Kuula says
Love your posts…
Nisha says
The best article I read after a long while..
Jane Wackley says
Love the article, AND all of the reminders. I struggle with No 8.because of my living circumstance, but am taking every step to remedy this and move elsewhere and Upward. I find I worry needlessly about other’s feelings first, instead of my own. Thank you for the help
Kevin Eardley says
Good one today. Becoming more receptive. More malleable . Less introspective. Less bitter. Pragmatic and hopeful.
Kevin Eardley says
We seek validation for existence self love crucial. I recently lost my job after 34 years. Heartbroken had noose round neck. Strangely social media helped…got Back into writing music. ANODYNE ASCENSION On YouTube.. A creative pursuit is .beautiful escape from lifes tavails
Lynn Biegeleisen says
Thank you so much for the supportive email and post! I just love what you have said. I am going to try to change the way I think and try to take some chances that I’ve been thinking about.
John Urban says
Thank you so much for sharing your essay. All points are so valid that you have mentioned.
Paula says
What a wonderful article, it put a big smile on my face , ( love number 10) life can be so SIMPLE if you know how to live it and with all your wonderful essays we all can do just that . I practice every day to live the life I choose I try to remember all I’ve read in all your essays. I thank you so much for sharing.
Much love Paula
Prabhakar Iswalkar says
Dear Marc and Angel,
Thank you so much for sharing this article. Whenever I see your article, it’s like a treat to our brain for healthy improvement.
Only one point: on “to be kind,” no doubt you have stated the importance of gratitude to start early. However, one thing I add is that in today’s world, if we are too nice, people may take advantage of our good nature and expect us to always be there for them when they need something. We may end up feeling used and taken advantage of, which can lead to resentment. We might also find that, because we are so kind, people don’t appreciate us or value our efforts.
At times, being kind can backfire on us, so we have to learn when and to whom we should be kind.
Many thanks
Lou says
They all resonate with me but the one that is most difficult is number 6 I struggle with that one always feeling I’m not worthy
Josephina says
Thank you so much for this article ,sometimes is not always where we need to add anything but appreciate the knowledge and training others share so that we face life challenges wisely
Thank you again it’s so powerful and very relevant
Karbear says
If I was going through Google and it caught my attention. I read the whole article. It was definitely worth reading, held my interest. And, it made a lot of sense.I’m actually passing the article on to others!! Thank you
Ravi Kumar Sharma says
Very nice essay, giving a worth to our lives.
Vini says
Your posts are true and correct. I need help with how to not to wait and just do whatever is front of u.
SAS says
I related to 9. We often wait way too long to close old chapters in our lives
I help and mentor a lot of people, and then they go on and I don’t hear from them anymore. I often feel shame that I said the wrong thing or gave them too much, but I need to realize, this is just a new page.
Michele Esposito says
I resenate with my past, but forgive who hurt me, still have good friends, who love me and have been my friends for a lifetime are family now, Taking care of myself mentally and physically emotionally now needed more and stopped thinking of myself because of sick daughter, but now older a need time for me now, Time to enjoy my life and experience new people,places.
Glenn San Mate says
I’m one of the followers of Marc and Angel silent reader. I really found out that their messages is truly inspirational with us.
And yet so very meaningful that’s why sees to it,
I’m always waiting for their next column and giving space in my precious time to read all about it.
Thank you so much to both of you we really appreciate it.
Glenn San Mate says
I’m one of the followers of Marc and Angel silent reader. I really found out that their messages is truly inspirational with us.
And yet so very meaningful that’s why sees to it,
I’m always waiting for their next column and giving space in my precious time to read all about it.
Thank you so much to both of you we really appreciate it.