Ain’t it funny how time slips away?

Lately, I’ve been struck by just how quickly time flies. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, months into years…often without us realizing how much we’ve let slip by.

I’ve noticed this more as I get older of course but 2024 truly seems to have gone by in a flash. 

I have goals and priorities and relationships that are all very important to me. Getting clear on what I want to accomplish is not usually tough for me to do but sometimes deciding the “how,” meaning the strategy to get there, leaves me standing still. 

I spend time researching and designing the “best,” most effective, efficient, logical, organized plan…

And the next thing I know, I find myself 3 weeks into the year with a list of notes and things I could try, and ZERO meaningful progress on the things that matter. 

Maybe you can relate.

I notice something similar with clients too. They research the “perfect” vendor, solution, coach, workout plan, recipe list, etc. but never take action on trying the thing. 

The time and effort of thinking about something can trick us into believing we’re taking action. 

I’m not hating on planning; I cannot stress enough how much I love and value the planning part of the process. I just know that it can also delay or prevent action, and action - the actual doing of the thing - is where the magic happens and where the plan gets even better. 

We get to test it, break it, and adjust it so that we can accelerate our progress and maybe even surprise and delight ourselves with how far we’ve come.

Setting goals is critical. Planning sets the course and creates a sense of organization. And neither of these things is enough to achieve results if we don’t take action.

The perfect plan doesn’t exist and the perfect time doesn’t exist. 

Life is always busy, messy, and unpredictable. But in waiting, even if that “waiting” is spent creating the “perfect” plan, we risk missing out on the opportunities that could lead to the fulfillment and growth we’re longing for.

Time is Non-Renewable. Time is a “finite resource” as my freshmen year math teacher loved to say. Every day you wait is a day you’ll never get back. The choices you make today will determine the life you live tomorrow. Action now, even imperfect action, is how you create momentum.

Perfection isn’t Necessary. Too often, we let fear of imperfection hold us back. We want the perfect plan, the ideal circumstances, the flawless execution. But the truth is, progress always beats perfection. Starting messy is better than not starting at all.

Clarity Comes through Doing. Sometimes we hesitate because we don’t have all the answers. But here’s a secret: clarity comes from taking the first step, not from sitting on the sidelines. Action reveals what works, what doesn’t, and what you truly want.

Let’s shake the analysis paralysis tendency before the month ends. 

Take Meaningful Action Today

1. Start Small. You don’t have to overhaul your life in a day. Choose one small step that moves you closer to what matters—a phone call, a journal entry, a 15-minute walk (bundle up if you’re in Chicago!).

2. Focus on What You Can Control. Life will always throw curveballs, but you can choose how you respond. Focus on what’s within your power, and don’t let external factors dictate your actions.

3. Commit, then Adjust. Don’t overthink your next move. Commit to it. Once you’ve started, you can always adjust course. Action creates momentum, momentum strengthens consistency, and consistency makes change possible.

Think about the dreams and experiences you’ve put on hold. How much closer would you be if you had started six months ago? A year ago? Imagine where you could be six months from today if you take the first step now.

Life is short. The days will continue to move by quickly and your age at the time you’re reading this is the youngest you will be ever again. There will always be reasons to delay making progress on the things that truly matter.

Stop being swayed by those reasons, those excuses.

Slow down time a little bit by being more intentional with your attention. Take one action today to move closer to your goals.

Whatever it is for you, execute on the plan today. There is only now. Slow down the feeling of time slipping away and make the minutes matter.