Stop Procrastinating, Start Acting

Last Wednesday, I found myself strolling past a graveyard. The surrounding was calm, the silence interrupted by the sweet humming of birds in the air. Even though the dead were unable to speak, their graves whispered a bitter truth: life is momentary, and one day, each one of us will leave it behind. While standing there, I could not help but wonder whether people beneath those graves managed to fulfill their dreams. Some had a few years to accomplish their dreams; others who died young had decades to fulfill them, and those who died old had already left a mark before transitioning. The thoughts made me realize that none of us is ready for that fateful day. We all anticipate long, fulfilling lives, one that ends on our 150th birthday and is surrounded by loved ones. However, the reality is much more unpredictable.

Procrastination has made us view time as an endless reservoir, thinking that we will always have more chances to make a difference, more weeks to chase our goals, and more moments to spend with our loved ones. We find comfort in believing that life expands endlessly ahead of us, and the majority of us plan our lives with an inner belief that we have ages to figure everything out. Right from birth, we picture ourselves achieving goals, celebrating milestones, and aging gracefully. However, life does not follow our script, and time is unpredictable. Tomorrow is not a guarantee to anyone, as any moment can change our entire lives. The question that persists is: why are we still procrastinating? If we stopped thinking that we had more time, then the world would be a totally different place.

Each of us carries within ambitions that we’ve silenced, untapped capabilities, ideas we’ve buried, and dreams we’ve hidden. We have been stuck due to the fear of failure and the thought of losing discouraging us from starting. Maybe it is the fear of judgment, misunderstanding, or of being criticized. Perhaps it is the anxiety of the unknown, the thoughts of “What if I am not good enough?” or “What if it fails to work?” that prevents us from trying.

However, the number of tasks that I have left unattended to in weeks have made realize that, every second spent holding back is a second wasted. If, for instance, today was your last day on earth, what knowledge or resource would die with you? The world needs authenticity, not perfection. It embraces those who are ready to let out their unique perspectives and gifts into it, even if it looks imperfect or messy in the process. What’s holding you back? And more importantly, what do you need to let it go and start all over?

In most days, life feels like a fragile balancing game between now and next. We set goals for the future, dream of a brighter tomorrow, and work tirelessly to build a life that we visualize. But in the chase of what’s ahead, it is easier to lose focus of what we have: our breath, the day, the laughter, the moment, and the friendships. Living for the moment does not imply letting go of our ambitions.It means finding joy and gratitude in the present while being on the lookout for the future. It is about being aware that life is a journey made up of countless moments rather than just a destination. The kindness shared with a stranger, laughter shared with family over dinner, and the sunsets that brighten the dull evenings are what matter. Yet, how often do we postpone living for the sake of tomorrow? Ask yourself, are you merely waiting to start life, or are you living fully? 

Our days on earth are not infinite, but they are enough—enough to leave a mark, enough to fulfill your dreams, enough to find joy, and enough to put a smile on someone’s face. The question is, what will you do with them if you keep procrastinating? Today is a gift; that is why it is called present. Purpose to create a life that showcases your passions and values, embrace your goals, and live with intentions. Do not let the fantasy of endless time prevent you from living in the moment. Remember, we only have one life, and if we live it without procrastination, then once is enough.

by Beryl Wakhungu