How many times have you told yourself, “I’ll start when the time is right”?

• I’ll quit my job when I feel ready.
• I’ll start that business when things settle down.
• I’ll get in shape when life isn’t so hectic.
• I’ll have that tough conversation… later.

And then what happens? Later turns into never.

The Stoics had a brutal truth for this kind of thinking: the right time doesn’t exist.

Seneca put it best: “While we wait for life, life passes.”

You could wait for the perfect moment, the perfect conditions, the perfect version of yourself who finally “feels ready.” But time doesn’t wait. Conditions will never be perfect. And readiness is a myth—because confidence doesn’t come before action, it comes from action.

Marcus Aurelius didn’t sit around waiting for his reign to be easier before leading. He faced plagues, wars, and betrayals—and still did his duty. Because waiting is just a polite way of saying no.

So if you’ve been telling yourself now’s not the right time, ask yourself:

• What’s really stopping me? Fear? Perfectionism?
• What’s the worst that could happen if I started today? (Hint: Probably not much.)
• What would my life look like in a year if I stopped waiting?

The answer? A whole lot different than if you keep making excuses.

Reflection: What’s one thing you’ve been putting off because you’re “waiting for the right time”? What would happen if you just started?

Hit reply and tell me—I’d love to hear what you’re working on. And if someone in your life needs this reminder, forward this email to them.

Until next time,

Broden Johnson