How to Make Real Progress Without Waiting for Tomorrow
Every day, I see people around me who dream of writing a book, starting a business, launching an online course, saving for a house, getting fit, or traveling the world. They say, “Tomorrow, I’ll start.” But tomorrow never comes. There’s always something that gets in the way—never enough money, not the right time, too many responsibilities, or simply the feeling that life is too busy.
The truth is, each day gives us 24 hours, and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. That’s why it’s so important to start working on your projects now, not later.
Recently, a friend at my coworking space told me he’d been wanting to volunteer in Kenya for three years. Kenya is a fantastic place for volunteering with elephants or going on safari. But he still hasn’t done it. Work and daily life keep getting in the way, like sticks in the wheels, stopping him from doing what he really wants.
Money is another common excuse. People talk about needing their “fucking money”—that magic amount that lets them say “enough, I can live my dream life now.” For some, it’s 5,000 euros a month. But even when they reach that, it’s never enough. There are always more taxes, more expenses, and what’s called “lifestyle inflation.” The more you earn, the more you spend, and you never feel ready to take the leap.
Tim Ferriss popularized the idea of a “mini-retirement” in his book The 4-Hour Workweek: taking six months off every couple of years to travel or learn something new. I did this myself—six months off work, still technically employed, but free to travel and work on personal projects. I learned new programming skills, created open-source projects, and explored new places. It was an incredible experience that gave me fresh energy and new ideas.
Maybe your dream isn’t a mini-retirement, but something else you keep putting off. The reality is, there’s never a perfect time or the perfect amount of money. If you wait for everything to line up, you’ll wait forever. Life moves fast, and the right moment rarely arrives on its own.
“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.”
— Chinese Proverb
We all have 24 hours in a day. Even if you work from 9 to 5, or sometimes from 7 in the morning until late at night, there are limits. You need to know your limits and what truly makes you happy. Prioritize what brings you joy and energy. If you love gardening, hiking, or learning new things, make time for those. For me, hiking in New Zealand or exploring new trails is a top priority.
The key is to identify your number one priority. Once you know what matters most, you can let go of less important projects without guilt. If volunteering in Kenya is your top goal, then everything else comes after. Spend an hour each day planning your trip, even if it means sacrificing other things. When you finish, you’ll come back with new energy, new ideas, and maybe even a new direction for your life.
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Sometimes, your priority might be something practical, like creating a startup to solve a problem you face every day. For example, in some countries, paper receipts are still required by law, but digital solutions exist elsewhere. If this bothers you, maybe your next big project is to build a better system.
After you complete one priority, move on to the next. Maybe you want to learn to cook, start a new online course, or grow carrots on your balcony. By always knowing your top priority, you avoid procrastination and the trap of putting things off until “later.”
“Action is the foundational key to all success.”
— Pablo Picasso
The most important thing isn’t to be more productive just for the sake of it. It’s to pay attention to what makes your days meaningful and enjoyable. If you spend all day in front of a computer and feel miserable, what’s the point? Balance your days with breaks, social activities, physical exercise, and time to reflect. That’s how you create a life you actually want to live.
Key Takeaways
- Stop waiting for the perfect time—start now, even if it feels uncomfortable.
- Identify your number one priority and focus on it before anything else.
- Accept that you can’t do everything; let go of less important projects without guilt.
- Balance your days with activities that bring you joy and energy.
- Small steps every day lead to big changes over time.
Reflection
- What is the one thing you keep putting off that would make you truly happy?
- Are you letting excuses or “not the right time” hold you back?
- What small step can you take today toward your top priority?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Entrepreneurship #Goal-Setting #Money #Motivation #Nomad #Personal-Growth #Productivity #Self-Improvement #Tech #Time-Management #Wealth