The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

"A year from now, you may wish you had started today." – Karen Lamb

There’s always a reason to wait. Wait until work settles down. Wait until finances are more stable. Wait until the timing is perfect. But what if the real secret to achieving dreams isn’t about waiting at all—it’s about deciding?

Photo Courtesy of Renwick Brutus Media

In an illuminating conversation, my friend Sandi and I explored the shift from dreaming about something to actually making it happen. From decades-long aspirations of living abroad to overcoming obstacles that keep us stuck, our conversation highlighted an undeniable truth. The difference between a dream and a goal is action.

“Someday” is a Dangerous Word

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." – Walt Disney

For 40 years, Sandi had one dream tucked away. I could feel the deep seated desire as she shared,

“I’ve always wanted to live in France, Italy, or the UK for one month—just immerse myself in the culture, the people, the experience.”

But for decades, it was just that—a dream, not a goal. What changed? Her husband turned the question back on her, asking“Why is this still on the dream list? Why not make it happen?”

That one shift in perspective changed everything. Instead of waiting for the perfect time, they started planning. Instead of overthinking the logistics, they reached out to a realtor. Instead of saying “someday”, they booked their trip. And just like that, a 40-year dream became a reality. The experience echoes Paulo Coelho’s wisdom in The Alchemist,

"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

Overcoming the Resistance. Why We Delay What We Want Most

"The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." – Marcus Aurelius

Sandi’s story was about much more than travel—it was about breaking through mental roadblocks that keep us from taking action. She had faced countless obstacles. Internet issues that made remote work nearly impossible. A demanding schedule that made personal time feel like a luxury. Self-doubt and external resistance that made big decisions seem overwhelming. But I reminded her of a powerful question,

“If you don’t do it now, when will you?”

Too often, we postpone things we deeply desire—not because they’re impossible, but because they feel too big, too uncertain, or too far away. The reality?

"Waiting for the perfect time is just another way of saying you're not ready to commit." – Mel Robbins

The Unexpected Motivation. Finding Purpose in Uncertainty

"The two most powerful warriors are patience and time." – Leo Tolstoy

Sometimes, it takes an unexpected push to finally act on a long-held dream.

For Sandi’s husband, that push was a sense of urgency. She explained,

“He’s starting to feel like we’re getting old. He keeps saying, ‘If we don’t do it now, we may never do it.’”

This fear—of time slipping away—became the catalyst. Instead of dwelling on what might go wrong, they focused on what could go right. And this is a lesson for all of us. You don’t have to wait for a perfect moment—just a decision. Action creates momentum. One step leads to another. Once you commit, things start to fall into place. This aligns with James Clear’s approach in Atomic Habits,

"Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become."

The moment they booked the trip, they became the type of people who live their dreams, not just talk about them.

The Time is Now

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did." – Mark Twain

Sandi’s journey from “someday” to “today” is a reminder to all of us. If something has been on your mind for years, it’s time to act. Obstacles will always exist—but so will solutions. You don’t have to have every detail figured out—just start. Because at the end of the day, the biggest regret isn’t failing. It’s never trying at all.

Trained as an economist, Renwick Brutus emigrated to the United States as a young man, earned his MBA at Fordham University and has worked in the financial services industry where he has been widely acknowledged for his contributions. Renwick has owned multiple companies and consults with an impressive list of individuals and organizations. He utilizes a unique blend of financial insights, business strategy and wisdom to help individuals prosper and companies grow. You may reach him here.