This week's Quote and Commentary

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today.

Anyone who knows me or has heard me talk knows this is one of my favorite quotes. I love it’s simple yet powerful reminder that it is never too late to start. Stop with the shoulda, coulda, and woulda excuses or regrets. Every day you delay taking action is another day lost.

Let’s say you are overweight. You already know you should eat better and exercise. You have three choices.

1.      Ignore what you know and just keep doing what you are doing.

2.      Complain that it’s too hard to change or it’s too late to make a difference now.

3.      Make a change starting today.

These three choices apply to every facet of your life.

Health options – weight loss, diet, stop smoking, stop drug use, etc.

Work skills – typing speed, computer skills, specialized skills (Machine operator, computer programmer for example).

Hobbies/Leisure – Learn to play the guitar, learn to paint, become a better reader, etc., etc.

Financial literacy – Budgeting, learning about investment options, making investments, retirement planning.  

Here is the deal – Stop complaining that you are too old, that it’s too late, or that it won’t make a difference now. Those are all just bullshit excuses (pardon my language).  It’s never too late, you are never too old and any change will make a difference.

20 years ago may have been the best time. That doesn’t matter. Today is your second best option. Don’t waste it.