John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963) told a story about French Marshall Lyautey who asked his gardener to plant a tree. The gardener objected that this variety of tree was so slow-growing that it would not reach maturity for one hundred years. The Marshall replied, "In that case, there is no time to lose; plant it this afternoon!"
How often have you rejected a good idea because you felt that it would take too long to accomplish? I recently spoke with a client who had wanted to enter college in 2002. However, he would need a graduate degree to work in his chosen field. He felt, four years ago, that it would simply take too long.
Now, in 2006, he still had the nagging urge to pursue his career dream. I asked him, "If you begin now, how long will it take you to finish?" The answer was, "Six years."
"So," I said, "six years will pass between now and the completion of your degree." Then I asked, "And how much time will pass between now and 2012 if you don't begin, and what will be the difference in outcome?"
At that point, a "light" came on. Six years would still pass, except he would not have the training to enter his field of interest. If he used those same six years to prepare himself, he would be ready to begin the career of his dreams.
People usually always find time for those things they truly want to do. "I don't have time" really means "I have other priorities." "It would take too long" is a deceptive, self-limiting, fear that one will be missing out on a piece of his or her life.
On the contrary, success requires that we take a bite out of life! Our time is worth what we choose to make of it. Time is our constant companion. However, it will move forward, vanish, and replenish itself, regardless of how we use it. Time doesn't care; only people do.
Carl Sandburg (1878 - 1967) wrote, "Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you."
What is one thing you would truly like to accomplish in your lifetime? Is your time worth pursuing your most cherished dream? If so, begin today. There is no time to lose.
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