I am going to start this post with a question.

Is there ever a right time to do something?

“I want to lose weight. Maybe I’ll start in the new year.”

“I should go to the gym. I’ll start next Monday.”

“I have this startup idea. I’ll work on it this weekend.”

“There’s an opportunity to move to a new city. Let me think about it and consult my family first.”

We’ve all been there. We’ve all waited for the “right time” to make a decision or take action.

But is there ever a right time to do something?

I think the answer is a clear and straightforward no. There is never a perfect time to do something, unless you believe in astrology or superstition.

I’m writing this post from personal experience. I’ve passed on opportunities with huge upside potential because I was waiting for the right time, always thinking I’d be in a better position later.

Take fitness. I’m a huge proponent of fitness, and it pains me to see people waiting for the right time to start their fitness journey.

Or life-changing opportunities. I’ve seen people, including myself, waiting for the right time to move to a new city, start a new job, pursue a relationship, launch a business, or embrace a new chapter in life.

My frustration is simple: time never comes back, and it never comes back the way we want it to. If the opportunity or thought has presented itself to you, take it. Don’t wait for the right time, because it never comes.

As the popular saying goes:

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

I think the biggest obstacle is the fear of failure. We crave comfort. The fear of uncertainty, of not knowing what will happen, is paralyzing. But here’s what I always ask: how can you even fail if you don’t give it a shot?

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

So with this post, I hope to remind myself that there is never a right time to do something, and that I should seize the opportunity when it presents itself.

I hope this post reminds you to do the same. The fear of dying ordinary is far greater than the fear of failure. Don’t let the illusion of perfect timing hold you back from living an extraordinary life.

All greatness starts with a decision to take action. Don’t wait for the right time, because the right time is now.