The Paralysis of Waiting

23 May

There are few things on this earth more dangerous than waiting.

Waiting for the perfect time to launch.  Waiting to have enough money to start.  Waiting for your friends to think you can.  Waiting for some blogger or regional manager or magazine editor to notice you.  Waiting for God to increase the hours of the day.  Waiting until the kids graduate.  Waiting until you’re out of debt.  Waiting for your dad to believe in you.  Waiting for the boss to say its okay.  Waiting for a case study to prove that it’s worth it.  Waiting for retirement.  Waiting to be chosen.  Waiting to be validated.  Waiting for a sign.

The obvious problem with waiting.  Paralysis.  The nothingness that comes with not trying.

The not-so-obvious problem with waiting. The more you do it, the better you get at it.

You want to know the truth?  I’d rather slip backwards than stay put.  Because at the very least  I’m learning something for my next step up.  And that something is usually more valuable than what I would have learned by doing nothing at all.

This is not a rant. I mean it.  Its overwhelming.  Think of all the art that has yet to be created and all the applications that have yet to be built and all the music that has yet to be written and all the dishes that have yet to be tasted and all stories that have yet to be told … because somebody, somewhere is waiting.

So what are you waiting for?

Photo Credit: Image Zen
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  • Alayna F.

    I was waiting for this post!! :)  

  • http://ajleon.me ajleon

    :)  

  • http://ashokamaran.com Ashok Amaran

    I’m waiting on a design, copy, and logo to launch an app… But dammit, I’m just going to get it to the most minimum viable product I can and launch next week.

  • http://ajleon.me ajleon

    Now *that* is what I like to hear. :)

  • Worcester (from Henry IV)

     I’m waiting for a diagnosis from a mental health specialist…or to simply hit bottom.

  • http://ajleon.me ajleon

    Funny thing about humans, sometimes bottom is like a mirage. :)

  • http://www.sukhrajbeasla.com Sukhraj Beasla

    I don’t wait anymore. I learned my lesson about that a long time ago and while I may make mistakes at least I tried, I can improve, and I can move on instead of not knowing, not doing, or not taking that chance. Great blog post! :)

  • http://ajleon.me ajleon

    Thanks, Sukhraj! Hope you are doing well, chica. :)

  • http://marcedwards.blogspot.com/ Marc Edwards

    You are so right. I’m finding in my latest venture that when I was thinking of starting my class, I could never imagine the force of momentum. When I debate if something will work, I think statically and not alive and I waste so much time turning down amazing projects that make a difference. But that’s changing, and your a big part of that my brother.

    I will never tell you thank you enough AJ for your impact in my life! Keep giving, your gift and leadership matters!

  • http://ajleon.me ajleon

    Marc, I can’t express to you how much that means to me, my friend. I’m serious. I’m glad to know you and I am *so* happy that you are sharing yourself and your art with the world. :)

  • Greg Hartle

    Love this post, AJ. 

    People who act on their dreams and ideas are the select few, but they are the ones who gain the wealth, health and wisdom that is available. Someone will act today. Let it be you.Thanks for sharing!

  • http://ajleon.me ajleon

    Thank you, Greg. And thank you for being a part of the tribe, I truly appreciate hearing your opinion on this stuff. :)