The Myth of the "Perfect Time" to Start That Thing You've Been Putting Off
"The trouble is that you think you have time." – Jack Kornfield
I've been telling myself for weeks now that I'd finally launch my new coaching business. I have a seemingly endless to-do list, but I keep hitting the snooze button on action, telling myself, "Once I have a full day off, I'll sit down and do all the things." High on that list is writing more articles just like this one.
Today, I'm sitting in a dressing room backstage at Opera Holland Park, preparing to perform in The Flying Dutchman this evening. My laptop is open, ready for me to tackle some of the work I've been delaying. And what was I doing? Daydreaming about how I'll eventually start these tasks, telling myself, "I'll do it next week, when I have more time."
The trouble is, there never actually is more time.
I'm a master of filling my days. Right now, on top of trying to launch a new business, I'm deeply immersed in learning new music for my singing career and running a vibrant community for LGBTQI+ individuals. My plate isn't just full; it's overflowing.
And that's when the realization hit me: there is never a perfect time.
The Allure of "Someday" and the Cost of Delay
We’ve all been there. You're a chiropractic clinic owner with a brilliant idea: maybe it's that new patient education workshop, finally implementing a robust referral system, training your associates on a new technique, or perhaps even taking that long-overdue, well-deserved holiday you keep putting off. You convince yourself that the "ideal" moment will arrive: when the clinic is quieter, when you've hired that new CA, or when you've completed one more course.
The reality, however, is stark. Studies show that roughly 20-25% of adults are chronic procrastinators, and for busy professionals like you, this tendency can be even more pronounced. This isn't just a quirky habit; it's a significant barrier. Delaying important tasks isn't just frustrating; it can lead to missed opportunities, increased stress, and ultimately, a feeling of being stuck in a cycle. In a survey, 94% of respondents admitted procrastination makes them unhappy.
This isn't about laziness. Often, our procrastination stems from a fear of failure, a fear of success, or a pervasive perfectionism that keeps us waiting for a moment when we feel "resourceful and ready to win." We hold onto the illusion that waiting will make the task easier, or the outcome more perfect. But as the Roman philosopher Seneca wisely noted, "While we are postponing, life speeds by."
The "always-on" culture doesn't help. With smartphones and constant connectivity, the lines between work and personal life have blurred. It's easy to fall into a pattern where work never truly stops, leading to a fragmented attention span where deep work on new initiatives feels impossible to schedule. This constant connectivity can contribute to burnout, even for those who are highly successful.
Why the "Perfect Time" Is a Mirage
The truth is, the momentum comes from the act of beginning itself. Waiting for clarity or perfect motivation is like waiting for a car to be fully fueled and cleaned before starting the engine; it only gets fueled and cleaned once you've committed to the journey.
Clarity Comes from Engagement: You won't have a perfectly clear plan until you start taking action. The real insights, the real solutions, emerge when you're in motion, grappling with the challenge.
Momentum Builds on Small Steps: The sheer size of a task often triggers procrastination. Break it down. What's the smallest possible step you can take today? Five minutes of research on that new system? Drafting one email for the workshop? Booking that initial call with a business coach?
You Create Time: Busy people don't magically find time; they protect it, they prioritise, and they make intentional choices about what fills their day. By refusing to wait for a perfect window, you force yourself to carve out the necessary moments.
So, if you're a chiropractic clinic owner with something you've been putting off – whether it's a big business initiative, a personal project, or simply a commitment to your own well-being – stop waiting for the "perfect time." It might be backstage at an opera, or during a rare quiet moment in your clinic. Just get started. The ideal time is now.
Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow. What small step will you take towards your goal right now?
