Many people exist in an unconscious, disempowered fog of passive expectation –Waiting for the ideal relationship, the right moment, a divine inspiration, somebody else to step forward or for that perfect set of circumstances to magically manifest to inspire them to finally take authentic, sincere and honest steps towards a desired endeavor. People have been conditioned to be idle spectators of their own lives, patiently “waiting for tomorrow” by dwelling on excuses; hoping that the parade of their temporary or inconvenient circumstances will quietly pass before they willingly give themselves permission to honor their personal vision, and commit themselves to their own deep, heartfelt dream.
How many accept an underwhelming mediocracy only to remain perpetually waiting at the expense of taking authentic, committed and decisive action towards something more, other and beyond their present experience? Insanity has often been described as “doing the same thing time and time again, while still miraculously expecting different results.” Everyone has their personal version of this ongoing, but all too familiar, dreaded curse of stagnation to recognize and transcend.
Take a moment, honestly examine your own life-story and behavior and inquire within; what exactly are you waiting for: The love of your life, the mother ship, a savior, the magical cure, a technological advancement, the lottery, your big break, mystical intervention, more time or some illusive but undefinable “something” else that is eventually coming?
Even though the idea of waiting is often misrepresented by the ego as an active state of movement, in truth it is disempowering and contractive. Waiting is defined as being inactive and stationary, staying in expectation of something. It is described as the passive action of remaining where one is, delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens.”
Many choose a life of waiting, persuading themselves otherwise through their own conscious or unconscious convincing art of avoidance. People will keep themselves too occupied and distracted to notice through the seductive short-term illusion of procrastination in exchange for focusing on meaningful empowered action that manifests long-term visions, goals and dreams.
Procrastination is the act of “putting off” an (often urgent, necessary, uncomfortable or important) impending action until a later time by focusing on a (less urgent, unnecessary, comfortable or less important) immediate task in the moment as a means of misdirection, distraction or avoidance.
Difficulties arise in our consciousness when we are unwilling or unable to acknowledge and be accountable for actual choice being made, especially when the ego portrays it as something else. But eventually it is not only empowering but also imperative for true growth to recognize and accept the reality of present and past choices for what they are if you are going to invite any possibility of creating something different.
A truly empowered and conscious action of preparation, education or honing of skills required for your journey is not meaningless waiting or procrastination, it is wise. But once you are prepared to the best of your ability then it is only through action that your learning can be tested and refined. Inevitably, one must transcend the procrastination and cold feet of self-doubt that often manifests in conditioning like “trying” to get it perfect, “analysis-paralysis,” wanting to figure it out and waiting for a sign until it feels right.
Many get stuck and dreams are delayed or completely discarded as the ego weaves a series of plausible complications and obstacles. Waiting is disguised as an accepted and seemingly “helpful” expansive part of the process of gathering energy in that murky space before you act. But this is merely a convenient, delusion that ultimately hinders true growth.
In other words, if you choose not to decide or remain uncommitted to a course of action through the inactivity of waiting (often through procrastination) then you are actively choosing to live in a contractive holding pattern which projects a quiet but powerful message of “NO” to the expansive invitations of the Universe. And by the law of cause and effect, only expansive choices can generate more expansion while contractive choices can only create more contraction. Be clear about your actual choice.
Every successful person who has ever achieved a high level of mastery in their chosen field has consistently expressed that they often never felt fully prepared for the biggest challenges in their life. But they required courageous action to “just do it” trusting that necessary understanding would be revealed as needed through the journey. You are never completely prepared for the unknown, and to truly grow you must extend yourself beyond your perceived limitations.
One of the secrets to achieving true growth is through self-love; by authentically showing up for yourself and your dreams in a bold, new and creative way. Transcend your excuses by simply focusing on even the smallest movements of empowered, conscious action. Taking a single step forward towards your goal always minimizes the “gap” of lost time, misdirected and contractive energy that is spawned by perpetual waiting or procrastination. The sooner you close this gap between intention and action, the sooner the Universe can offer you the next expansive invitation and necessary guidance to empower yourself in your process.
At some point, as you are perpetually waiting for tomorrow you will eventually realize that tomorrow only comes for those who show up for themselves on their journey. Take a chance. What do you have to lose?
What exactly are you waiting for?
-Markus Kasunich
