In the article Shogun: A Lesson In Patience we looked at the power of patience. While it’s important to proceed cautiously, sometimes waiting too long will kill an opportunity.
My junior year in high school I was class president and in charge of planning the prom. I took care of every detail except for one — getting my own date. I hesitated, thinking it was too early to ask the person I wanted. (I didn’t want to look overeager.) Before I knew it, she already had a date. When the prom came around, there was no one to take. Hours before the dance I learned a female friend of mine wasn’t going either so, by default, we went together. It was far from what I had envisioned for my prom.
When you know what you want, don’t let fear, passivity or laziness (the three biggest reasons for procrastinating) cause you to delay. Take immediate action. I remember when I moved to New York I got an amazing apartment because I was the first person to answer the ad.
There’s a difference between acting impulsively and acting swiftly. When you’re impulsive, you act without thinking. Being swift means you think, decide and act without hesitation.
There are other people who want the same things you do. The sooner you take action, the greater the chances of success.
For tips on how to set yourself up for success, check out the Jump Start Leadership Workbooks or The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.
To read more motivation, check the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
