I have always wondered about this very question. When is it time to get started? Get started on what you may wonder?

On everything - meaning the things you want to do, things you want to say. Learning to say no to the things you really want to say no to but never have the courage to. Maybe it’s my age but oh, if only I knew this when I was a little younger, things could have been a bit different.

We go through life putting things off because of all the obvious reasons. Time, money, health and just general stuff. Why do we do this? We know life is short and we need to start doing the things that might pass us by if we don’t do them now. I have noticed more and more that people are posting the deaths of loved ones on facebook and other social media platforms. Death is not age, gender or race specific, so this reminds me of just how mortal we really are. I have been telling friends for years that I live like I am about to die. Don't take that the wrong way. For me it means that each day should be a good and productive day. For that, we need to know what it is that we think productive is. This should be different for everyone. So that question again - “When is it time to get started?”

For me, it is often a sense of fear holding me back from just going for it. Fear seems to do this to all of us. Some people can fight it. Others let it get the better of them and often fear wins. When you don't do and say the things you want to, you can become resentful. You land up not ever taking that next step, because you are just so scared of not getting it right.

Over the years with all the very important decisions pressing me on a daily basis, I have learned to process better. I have learned to break things up into little bits and pieces, making sure that I have covered all the necessary scenarios that may raise their head if a wrong decision is made. “The more you practice, the luckier you get” (Gary Player). I feel strongly about this, as things can only change if you try to change them and often that means taking a leap of faith. So the more you try it the luckier you may get, so just do it!

So it is almost like you need to give yourself permission to have a go at a few things that you know you want to do. This may also mean surprising others and even going so far as not pleasing them either. Sorry folks, this just has to remain their problem. That is probably the fear I was talking about. Afraid of what others think is one of the most crippling things. For one, as long as you are not intentionally hurting or upsetting others, then you need to go right ahead. You are doing more harm to yourself by not allowing yourself the freedom to do it.

Once you start practising this, you will realize that you are actually really quite capable of making informed decisions. Getting started on a few of those things you thought you would never do suddenly become a possibility.

So make a list of all the things you have been putting off and next to each one write why you have been putting it off. You may even find some things on your list are actually irrelevant, because you have taken so long to actually do it, it is no longer so important. Then make a note next to all the relevant ones. Give yourself a timeline and a reason for wanting to do it. Soon enough you will find that you have a bunch of things to do and now you are giving yourself permission to do it.

Just my last bit of advice……. everything in moderation. That is the art of balance in one's life and don't we all need some of that.