As an actor, author, speaker, business owner, parent and community leader, there are many moments when someone wants me to do something on a timeline that is not of my own making.
“You need to jump on that opportunity!”
“ You know what we really need? You should…..”
“If you don’t do that now, you won’t get/ have….”
There’s some wisdom in acting while the ‘iron is hot’, but rushing isn’t always the best strategy either. How many messes and regrets have been created by acting in haste? I’m sure you can count a few. So can I.
On the other end of the spectrum are the people who have big hopes and good intentions who can’t seem to take action or get traction at all! There are so many aspects to the exploration of timing.
How do we know the time is right for something? How do we know if our lack of action is self-sabotage or some divine pause that promises great result? Here are a few things to consider:
Push vs Pull—Does this new to-do make you feel heavy and downtrodden or does it excite you and interest you even if you have no idea how you’d possibly make it happen? It must compel (pull) you.
If you feel like you’re being pushed to do it, think twice.
Check Your Gut—The next time someone throws a ‘should’ at you, take the time to pause and feel your gut reaction. Is it a yes in your deepest core? If not, take more time to think. Don’t force it to become a yes. If you do have to force it, you’ve got your answer.
Watch The Pain—If you are wondering if you’re procrastinating or just operating on your own special timing, notice how much pain you’re in. It’s pretty simple.
If you’re suffering in your current situation, beating yourself up, feeling anxious and/or reacting to your timing, you could stand to take a bold move to break the inertia.
If you are really not feeling prompted to make a change and there’s no emotional cost to you, play it out. Sometimes, ‘not now’ is appropriate.
Call for Help—If you’re stopped from making a decision or taking action because you get overwhelmed by the workload, the order in which things should happen, or you need a sounding board, it’s time to ask for help. Friends, family or a pro, the decision is yours.
Everyone has their own pace. Some of us stroll, some of us can’t bare anything slower than a frenetic sprint. Get to know your pace and how it changes in certain scenarios.