Getting What You Want After Waiting

Trying to decide whether to act and when to seize the day might feel like a constant tug of war in life. We read, on the one hand, that "Good things come to those who wait." On the flip side, there's the rallying cry that says, "You'll never get what you want unless you go after it!" Many of us struggle with this seeming contradiction, and we can become paralyzed with uncertainty when we consider the competing claims of these two schools of thought.

Do you think it would be wise to hold off until some mystical sign from above, the universe, or the stars aligns before taking action? On the other hand, should you be reckless, go in feet-first, and chase your dreams without hesitation? Like most questions in life, the answer is incredibly vague. We can't sleep because of this dilemma, so let's look into it.

Why You Should Be Patient: When You Act Is Crucial

Sitting tight and doing nothing has an irresistible charm. It suggests having faith in the inherent logic of things and being patient and wise. You can't rush the ripeness of fruit or the perfection of a freshly baked cake, two of life's greatest pleasures.

By holding off, we give ourselves more time to think, plan, and execute. By waiting, we may make sure we're prepared for what's to come, that we're not jumping into something before it's ready, or that the conditions are just right. Moderation is a beautiful thing.

The catch is that waiting is so easy to make an explanation for. Is your hesitation motivated by fear or by a desire to take your time? Are you putting things off till some "ideal" time that may never arrive? We fool ourselves into thinking we're waiting for the perfect circumstances when, deep down, we're simply afraid to do it.

Why You Should Take a Risk: Luck Prefers the Brave

However, going for your dreams and not looking back is unquestionably a powerful feeling. It's the stuff of inspirational posters and movie montages: a person gets what they desire after seeing it, running for it, and winning big.

If you want to live life to the fullest, you have to stop letting it pass you by and start doing what you love. It's about realizing that chances are often lost when one waits. There are times when life doesn't extend an invitation. Crashing a party is sometimes necessary.

But, and this is a major "but", taking the plunge can lead you to behave hastily or impulsively. Are you sure you're prepared? If the safety net turns out to be nonexistent, what happens if you pursue the wrong thing or take a leap of faith? The thrill of taking a chance is worth the potential consequences of being too daring.

Fear of Failing vs. Fear of Being Excessive

Dominant in this conundrum are two distinct forms of terror. Too much time passing increases FOMO, or the fear of missing out. You worry that someone else might beat you there. What if that chance never comes again? What if I get up one morning and find that it's already happened?

The fear of making a mistake (FOMU) is sparked when one decides to go for it. If I don't succeed, what then? Do you think I'm prepared? I fear the worst case scenario: I choose poorly and will always be sorry.

Both concerns are reasonable, but you shouldn't let them dictate your choices. Being able to tell when fear is at the wheel and when patience or bravery should take control is the real challenge.

The Deception of Mastery

The illusion that we can influence every step of the process and every result is a major source of frustration when faced with this contradiction. The truth is that life is chaotic and full of surprises. The ideal time may never come, no matter how long you wait. On the other hand, you could be reckless and disappointed when your actions don't match your expectations.

The truth is that there is no such thing as a "right" moment to take action. Depending on luck, you can either wait for the right moment or just go for it. Either way, you're not guaranteed anything. You have complete control over your thinking and the amount of work you put in.

Optimal Position: Engaged Waiting

Is it possible that finding a compromise between waiting and going for it is the key to solving this paradox? Active waiting is here.

The skill of active waiting is to remain calm and focused while taking action. It's getting yourself ready for the chance you've been waiting for, so you can seize it with ease. Imagine it like sowing seeds. Watering, nurturing, and making sure they get lots of sunshine will help them grow, but you can't make them grow overnight.

You can still be strategic if you're leaning toward going for it. Being daring doesn't imply being careless. By doing your research and getting ready ahead of time, you can take smart chances.

The Enchantment of the Incongruity

Listen up: the reason why both sides of this dilemma exist is because they're both valid. Patience is a virtue we learn through waiting, and the benefits of being patient are many. Having the guts to do what's right can teach us to be brave, and being brave can lead to life-altering adventures.

Perhaps we should stop viewing this paradox as a vexing either/or choice and start embracing it for what it is: a paradox of choice. Every day, we face a succession of choices that force us to swing between being cautious and taking risks, being patient and being brave. You need to listen to your gut and ask: Am I being cautious because I'm afraid of what might happen, or because I really must? Is my impatience the reason I'm going for it, or is this the perfect moment?

Finally: A Moment of Stillness Amidst the Upheaval

Because life isn't neat and tidy, there is no simple answer to the conundrum of waiting and pursuing one's desires. On occasion, being patient will yield results. On other occasions, you may find that you've missed your shot after waiting. There will be moments when you take a risk and come out on top. On other occasions, you will fail miserably.

However, that is ultimately the reason life is so exciting. What makes our paths unique and what propels us along is the interplay of these two forces.

Give yourself grace whether you're waiting, acting, or in the middle of it all. There is no silver bullet; rather, it is a collection of ill-considered choices that, by some miracle, culminate in a fulfilling existence.