The membership begins next month, or you will start to plan next week or change habits next year. We, as individuals, push things off, and so do organizations. If there’s a positive change you seek to make, there is no time like now. The only instances where you may delay is when you are currently dedicating resources, including time, that will conflict with the resources expended on your new initiative. For example, the new program may conflict with the one you already committed to with time and money.
Why do we wait? Why will organizations set a plan for next year when the initiative is needed today, and we know it will not be any more straightforward in a month? Tomorrow typically entails thinking today and may even amount to doing right now. Our habit of procrastinating inevitably becomes our norm and, depending on our position and role, is emulated by others to become part of the culture.
The other intriguing practice that comes into play is that tomorrow’s plans become an excuse to forget about today. It is simpler to talk about what we will do at some future point, even get excited about it, rather than diligently chipping away at the task at hand today. Some organizations rightfully plan well for the next period, often at the peril of which requires attention today.
Acting on something requires more significant effort than thinking and talking about it, and it rarely becomes easier to begin by delaying the event. Being an organization or person of action is preferable, for tomorrow may never come, and it is unlikely you will be noted for what you talk over what you do.
