“We don’t go on because we are ready. We go on because it’s 11:30pm.”
I was listening to Guy Raz’ podcast interview of Kenan Thompson when he shared how the above quote is something he’s heard Loren Michaels say for years.
I can definitely relate to this quote.
Regardless of how many times I’ve practiced for a speaking engagement or how many edits I take a piece I’ve written through, at some point, “It’s show time!”
“Ready” or not, there’s a deadline that has to be honored. The talk has to be given or the publish button has to be pressed.
But, the statement also struck me because it made me think about the decisions, choices, and tasks you and I know we need to make – yet don’t.
In my line of work, I see how inertia can manifest in a variety of ways and in various aspects of your money, business, and life.
On the surface, you (or others) might interpret your inertia as laziness. In truth, though, it is probably due to an emotional or psychological trigger.
This was certainly true in my case. Even though:
- I didn’t want to be one of “those” people who worked in financial services, but didn’t practice what they preached;
- I wanted to follow my mother’s excellent example, because she had her affairs in order – including estate planning;
- I knew it was an important part of my financial planning that needed to be addressed;
I finally got my revocable trust prepared in 2021. After having it on my to-do list for…seven (7) years!
It was like walking around with an invisible monkey on my shoulder, one that was always present – enough to make me aware of its existence, but not so heavy that I was ready to do something about it. Until the COVID pandemic hit.
What’s Your Monkey?
Maybe you can relate because you, too, have been putting off getting your estate planning taken care of. (Oof…I get it!) The process of getting it done is very emotional. Yet, it is such a relief to have it done! (I feel so responsible.)
Or, maybe you’re putting off something else like:
- getting medical tests done;
- writing your book proposal;
- letting a team member go, or on the slip side, hiring a new team member;
- reviewing your investment portfolio;
- reviewing your offer portfolio;
- decluttering a closet, room, or garage;
- getting a head start on planning a family or friend trip/vacation;
- etc.
The above list is not meant to be exhaustive. Nor, is it listed in any particular order.
Barriers to Action
Rather, it’s to show the variety of decisions, choices, and tasks you may need to make… yet aren’t.
And to remind you of Newton’s first law of physics: “…an object at rest tends to stay at rest; an object in motion tends to keep moving…”
Most of what’s on the list may not be physical, but the “first law” is still relevant.
Often what stops you from taking action are fear, confusion, or believing you have time.
Fear because you don’t want to make a mistake or you are not sure you’re ready to let go of what is familiar.
Confusion because perhaps the goal or end result is clear (you know what you want), but you aren’t sure of where or how to get started so you can get from point “a” to point “b.”
I previously talked about the illusion of time. As a result, you delay and defer because you keep telling yourself, “it can wait.” And perhaps since this has “worked” thus far, it can for a little while longer – right? But, should it?
Wait No More
You can break the cycle of resistance vis a vis inertia by doing the following:
Start small: Make a micro decision or choice; take a small step.
The small step I took was emailing the attorney my mother used to say, “I’m ready to get my own affairs in order.” Maybe the equivalent for you is to ask for a referral for an estate planning attorney.
Focus on milestones: Set goals, yes, but focus on the milestones so you can create some momentum. Maybe instead of trying to declutter an entire closet or garage in one weekend, you target an “area” instead.
Tell someone: Ask someone to be your accountability partner. Someone you trust to share what decision, choice, or action you are continually deferring or delaying, and maybe even why.
Your accountability partner can make all the difference in helping you push through resistance. Or, provide clarity that helps to keep you on track.
Remember, inertia often isn’t due to laziness. But nothing changes if nothing changes!
It’s Always Show Time!
Do I lose business because a firm or person chose to work with another speaker or coach? Absolutely!
But you know what, though? I “lose” more opportunities because folks are deferring or delaying a decision because they are… waiting to be ready.
This is the other thing that struck me about Loren Michaels’ statement. It reminded me that:
The biggest competitor I have to a business or person choosing to work with me is inertia!
Same is true when it comes to someone heeding the insight I share with my words.
On my end, it’s always show time!
And, barring significant crises, when people get stuck “in the mud” looking to be ready for the perfect moment to move forward, part of my job is to remind them of how they are getting in their own way.
That’s the reason for today’s piece.
Maybe you’re putting off something from the list above. Maybe you have a different type of “monkey” on your shoulder.
However, if peace of mind is one aspect of how you define financial success, any decision, choice, or task you are deferring or delaying, due to inertia, is getting in your way.
Making inertia the biggest challenge to your financial success, and overcoming it a key component of your well-being.
