Choosing to work with what you have, instead of waiting for the perfect conditions

Dear Sweet Friends,

Are you waiting for the perfect conditions to start a new endeavor or make your dream or goal a reality? You believe you need more money or other resources to start. You believe you need more time in your busy schedule to pursue this goal or dream. You believe you don’t have the skillset, or it’s not the right time, and the list of reasons goes on.

But what if I tell you that you don’t need to wait for the perfect conditions to pursue your goals and dreams? What if I tell you that you can work with what you currently have and each day use what you have to move closer to accomplishing your goals and dreams? This post will delve into why waiting for “perfect” conditions is a disservice to you, the benefits of working with what you have, and how to work with what you have.

What Does It Mean to Work With What You Have?

Working with what you have means embracing your current situation and resources, no matter how limited they may seem, and taking steps toward your goals and dreams. It’s about making the most out of what you possess right now instead of waiting for some ideal yet uncertain future.

“Start Where You Are, Use What You Have, Do What You Can- Arther Ashe

This popular quote sums up what you need to do to get off the sidelines, stop waiting for this proverbial “perfect condition,” and pursue what it is you want in and out of life. Here are some tips on how to Start Where You Are, Use What You Have, Do What you Can: 

1. Embracing Your Current Situation

We often get caught up in the idea that we need the perfect circumstances to begin something meaningful. You may want to start a business, write a book, learn a new skill, or travel the world. But life is unpredictable, and if you keep waiting for the stars to align, you might never get started. Embracing your current situation means acknowledging that the present is the only moment you have control over, and it’s the best place to begin.

2. Maximizing Your Current Resources

Working with what you have also involves identifying and making the most of the resources at your disposal. These resources can be tangible, such as the tools and materials you own, or intangible, like your knowledge, skills, and relationships. You’ll be surprised at how resourceful you can be when you start utilizing what’s already in your possession.

3. Taking Action

Lastly, working with what you have means taking action, even if it’s small and incremental. Your journey doesn’t have to be a giant leap; it can be a series of well-planned, intentional steps that bring you closer to your goal. Remember, it’s not about where you start but where you’re headed.

Benefits of Working with What You Have

Now, let’s explore some of the remarkable benefits of choosing to work with what you have, instead of waiting for the perfect conditions.

1. You Get Started

Procrastination often stems from the belief that the time isn’t right or you don’t have the ideal resources. When you choose to work with what you have, you break free from this cycle and take the first step. Getting started is often the most challenging part, and once you do, you gain momentum and motivation.

2. You Build Resilience

Working with limited resources can be challenging, but it also builds resilience. You learn to adapt and overcome obstacles. This resilience can serve you well in various aspects of life, not just your current endeavor.

3. You Learn and Grow

Embarking on a journey with limited resources forces you to be resourceful and creative. You’ll find new solutions, learn new skills, and gain valuable experiences that you wouldn’t have acquired if you were waiting for ideal conditions.

4. You Gain Confidence

As you start making progress and achieving small wins, your confidence grows. You realize that you have the ability to make things happen, regardless of your initial limitations.

5. You’re Closer to Your Goals

The most significant benefit of working with what you have is that you are actively moving towards your goals and dreams. Every small step you take brings you closer to your destination, while waiting for perfect conditions only delays your journey.

The Downside of Waiting for Ideal Conditions

Waiting for ideal conditions can be a significant roadblock in your personal and professional growth. Let’s delve into some of the disadvantages of this approach.

1. If Not Now, Then When?

One of the most significant downsides of waiting for the perfect conditions is that time keeps moving forward, whether you take action or not. If you’re constantly waiting for the right moment, you may wake up one day and realize that you’ve missed out on many opportunities.

2. Perfection Is Elusive

Perfection is a moving target. What may seem perfect today might not be perfect tomorrow. By the time you think conditions are perfect, the world has already changed, and new challenges have arisen. It’s a never-ending cycle.

3. Regret and “What Ifs”

Regret can be a heavy burden to carry. When you look back and see that you’ve spent years waiting for ideal conditions, you might wonder about the “what ifs.” What could you have achieved if you had started earlier?

4. Missed Learning Opportunities

Every experience, even the challenging ones, provides an opportunity to learn and grow. Waiting for ideal conditions means missing out on these valuable learning opportunities that come with taking action.

5. Paralysis by Analysis

Overthinking and over-analyzing can paralyze your progress. When you focus on having everything perfect, you might never take that essential first step.

How to Start Working with What You Have

Now that you understand the importance of working with what you have and the drawbacks of waiting for ideal conditions, let’s explore some more practical steps to get started.

1. Define Your Goals

Begin by clearly defining your goals and dreams. What do you want to achieve? Why is it essential to you? Understanding your objectives will give you a sense of purpose and direction.

2. Take an Inventory

Identify the resources you currently have at your disposal. This includes tangible resources like money, tools, and materials, as well as intangible resources like skills, knowledge, and relationships. Knowing what you have will help you make the most of them.

3. Create a Plan

Now, create a plan of action. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable tasks. Determine what you can start doing today with the resources you have. Your plan should be a roadmap that guides you toward your objectives.

4. Prioritize and Focus

Not everything on your to-do list is equally important. Prioritize your tasks based on their significance and impact. Focus on the actions that will bring you closer to your goals.

5. Be Resourceful

Working with what you have often requires creativity and resourcefulness. Look for unconventional solutions, repurpose what you already have, and explore ways to make the most out of your resources.

6. Seek Support

Don’t be afraid to seek support and guidance from others. Asking for help can be a bit uncomfortable, but believe it or not, there are many people who are happy to help; all you need to do is ask for it. Your network of friends, family, mentors, or peers can provide valuable insights, advice, and assistance that can help you on your journey.

7. Stay Persistent

It’s essential to remain persistent and committed to your goals, even when challenges arise. There will be setbacks, but it’s your determination to keep moving forward that will ultimately lead to success. 

8. Celebrate Small Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may be. Each milestone is a step in the right direction, and recognizing your progress can boost your motivation.

9. Adapt and Learn

Be open to adapting your plan as you go along. Learning from your experiences and adjusting your approach can be a powerful tool in achieving your goals.

10. Stay Mindful

Practice mindfulness to stay focused on the present moment. It’s easy to get lost in the future and what you lack. Mindfulness can help you appreciate what you have and the progress you’re making.

Last Sweet Words

So, Sweet Friends, I have made the case that you can work with what you currently have and each day use what you have to move closer to accomplishing your goals and dreams. Waiting for the perfect conditions is a futile endeavor, as perfection is an ever-moving target. By choosing to work with what you have, you unlock a world of possibilities and opportunities. You gain resilience, confidence, and the ability to inspire others. Moreover, you move closer to your goals and dreams, one step at a time.

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t delay your aspirations any longer. Embrace your current situation, maximize your resources, and take that first step today. Working with what you have is not just a practical approach; it’s a philosophy for a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Start now, and watch your dreams become a reality.

Happy Endeavors!

Sweet Lyfe Daily

Let us know in the comment what is holding you back from pursuing a goal and a dream? Please also share your own tips on how to start working with what you have so we can all learn and grow together.