10 Things People Often Wait Way Too Long to Do for Themselves
Most of us are “guilty” of waiting for the right time or chance to get our lives in place. Sometimes, it is about taking action, while other times, it is about looking deeper and betting on yourself. Identifying everyday things we are constantly waiting for can help us overcome our doubts and fears and start living. So, here it goes: 12 things most of us wait for instead of doing ourselves and simple ways to overcome our shortcomings.
Waiting to be grateful
When was the last time you looked around, took in your messy life, and thought, “I am grateful to have all this right here and now.” We take things for granted, not because we believe we are better than the rest. We do it because we are not taught to enjoy the little things, fearing it might not push us to do more. But how can we appreciate that “more” if we are not grateful for the present moment?
Waiting to take action
You might have had everything planned out in your head, but until the stars align, taking action is off the table. People are so terrified of failing that they miss opportunities every day. But taking action means taking control over your life, and despite all your doubts and fears, life should happen for you, not to you. Plans without actions are nothing but daydreams, and you mastered those. It is time for a new challenge, and it involves moving.
Waiting to be nicer to others
Instead of waiting for grand gestures to show someone you care, call them now and let them know you care. Life is unpredictable and made of a billion little things that make each day unique. Instead of waiting to be nicer to those who make your days brighter, express your gratitude to them now to avoid regret later in life.
Waiting to accept the present
We are too busy thinking about tomorrow or dwelling on yesterday to forget the importance of the present moment. Regardless of the heartache, struggles, and plans, all you have is this moment, so embrace it. You might not be where you wanted to be, but millions would trade places with you in the blink of an eye. Embrace the present, and you will release the burden of the past and the future.
Waiting to forgive the past
You can’t change what happened, but you can make peace with it, regardless of how painful it was. There’s no need to repress your emotions or think that there will be a lightbulb moment where all your previous experiences will form a perfect life lesson. Cry your heart out, write down all the times you met injustice, and forgive yourself for not knowing better. Then, start practicing to be here now, and with time, you will be free.
Waiting to put ourselves first
You are the most important person in your life. We were taught to support, adapt, and be polite to others, but the truth is that only by putting ourselves first we can do more for others. By choosing to put yourself first, you are opening up a world of possibilities, creating a meaningful life, and becoming the person you need to be.
Waiting to create healthy boundaries
One way to put yourself first is to set healthy boundaries that shield you from things and people you have no room for. Make room for positive changes and allow new people to enrich your life, but do it on your terms. With healthy boundaries, you are learning to say no while opening yourself at your own pace and creating lasting and honest relationships.
Waiting to trust ourselves
Instead of waiting, start building trust in yourself by examining your values and skills and practicing self-care. If you are struggling to trust yourself, remember that it comes from a place of fear of disappointing others or making wrong choices. However, there are no guarantees in life, and mistakes are inevitable, though putting trust in yourself can only strengthen your self-esteem and make you prioritize your needs.
Waiting for a perfect day
A perfect day is a metaphor for all the things we miss out on while waiting for things to come into place. We leave it up to faith and circumstances instead of taking control and making it perfect ourselves. It also emphasizes our need for everything to be flawless in order for us to be happy. But life does not work that way. It is about making the most of what you have at that moment, and though it may not seem like much, allow yourself to be surprised. There is beauty in imperfection if you allow it to be.
Waiting to express self-respect
Most of us confuse self-respect with money, power, and position in society. But self-respect is, at its core, a discipline that allows you to walk away from the things dragging you down and toward things that will make you grow. Do something for yourself every day, no matter how small, and stop comparing yourself to others. It is a skill that needs practicing and will lead you to stand up for yourself and know your worth.
Waiting to be in the zone
Savoring each moment and surrounding yourself with it sounds good on paper, but most people are too fearful of letting themselves go with the flow. It is effortless, but most of us were taught that life cannot be that simple. Instead of swimming upstream, try being present while letting go of what was and what will be. Going with the flow means accepting that stuff happens. And that’s genuinely the only thing we are 100 percent sure about.
Waiting for your purpose
Instead of waiting to find your purpose, you can live the life you have now, and in time, you’ll get to the life you need. In the meantime, seek new experiences, explore your interests, ask questions, surround yourself with positive people, and never stop learning. You might not find your purpose today, but being proactive is better than standing still.
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