Timing is everything, some say. And there is truth to that. We cannot control the timing of life. We cannot make the perfect moment present itself whenever we want it. Sometimes we have to wait for inspiration to strike or for events to align in order to create a more fulfilling life, to make progress on a major life project, or even to find the right partner. Timing does impact our ability to affect true change in our lives.
However, that does not mean that we get to sit around twiddling our thumbs, waiting for that perfect moment to hit. We have to put in effort to realize change. We have to work when it is hard and inconvenient, work when things suck, when timing is awful. It may feel frustrating but we have to continue to take baby steps so that when the timing is right, we are prepared. If we don’t continue to do the work, then when the timing is right we may not be ready to fully receive or take advantage of the good timing.
Personally, I found this extremely applicable in my meditation practice. I have worked at creating a consistent meditation practice for almost 7 years now. Over the years, I realized that meditation was something that I desperately needed in order to manage my stress and improve my overall wellbeing. I took several courses, attended a silent-meditation retreat, used guided meditations, tried breathing practices, and other mindfulness work. I would have a consistent practice for a couple of days or weeks maybe, and then fall off the bandwagon. I would try again and again but it just wouldn’t take hold. Over the years, I meditated a lot but I was missing the consistency piece. It wasn’t for lack of desire or effort, that’s for sure.
So, I continued experimenting with meditation, increased my yoga practice, and focused on self-development and growth. More and more, I found myself surrounded by intentional people that were also working on themselves. Then, my lifestyle changed, my pace of life got slower and my stress levels decreased. Eventually, the timing seemed to align for me and I have finally been able to create a consistent practice.
Looking back on it, I realize that it wasn’t a lack of desire or ability but that my lifestyle was incongruous with and even worked against having a consistent practice. And I wouldn’t have figured that out if I gave up or stopped working towards it.
So, it wasn’t just timing at work here; everything didn’t just magically happen to fall into place. Rather, I was steadily working on myself and putting the pieces together even when I wasn’t quite sure what I was moving towards or what the final result would look like.
In summary, I have found that, yes, timing is important, but there are other major factors that contribute to our ability to make progress and affect change in our lives. In my experience, the three major factors that are necessary to make progress towards change include:
1. Intention – identifying a higher, compelling reason or purpose behind the desire for change
2. Consistency – taking consistent steps; putting in consistent effort
3. Timing – staying present and accepting life’s timing
We cannot side step any of these factors. If there is not a good reason behind the change, there won't be any motivation to do consistent work. If we don’t put in consistent effort, we won't be ready or prepared when the timing is right. And no matter how hard we want something or how hard we work, we cannot control the timing in our lives – but that doesn’t mean we give up or stop moving forward.
We cannot wait for the perfect time to do great things. Sometimes it may be easier, other times it is harder but if we stop moving the perfect time will never come.
So start now. Start small. Just promise that you will start.