You’re too young, at any age, to be complacent about your dreams and ideas. Complacency is not your friend, especially when goals, desires, and unfinished projects are still waiting to be started or shared. Regrets don’t come from ideas pursued; they come from doing nothing with them. And those regrets last a lifetime.
We like to believe we have time to create and leave our legacy. But tomorrow, next year, or “someday” is not guaranteed. Five people in my life recently passed away, still young, still full of dreams. Time doesn’t wait.
So, what are you waiting for?
Many of us are waiting for:
- Permission from people who are not going to give it
- Signs from the universe that you’ve already missed, if they existed at all
- Money or inheritance from a fictional ancestor
- Motivation to get started
Now is the time to get into action by taking small steps forward.
Tips to Move Forward Now
Get it out of your head. We all have ideas and goals that have lived in our heads for a while. But dreams die if we don’t take action. Giving your idea or dreams to someone else may be the answer, but they won’t fulfill on them the same way you would, won’t have the same vision, or may not do anything at all since the idea wasn’t theirs.
Write it down, draw it, or code it. Do NOT edit or review while unloading your thoughts. Make notes about research to be done, but do NOT conduct the research yet.
- Write that first terrible draft for a book or article. Don’t beat yourself up. It won’t be perfect or publishable. If you’re comparing yourself to published authors, remember: you’re looking at their finished book while you’re still on Chapter 1. They took the time to write, rewrite, and get help.
- Draw the first schematic or outline the initial system for any technology or mechanical initiative.
- Have conversations about the program, nonprofit, or project. Some people won’t agree or may want to take it in a different direction. Don’t overlook their input. When working with a group, it’s important to build alignment. Bigger and better ideas are often the result.
Walk away (1 hour or 1 day), then review. Conduct research. Rewrite or reconfigure. Also, check viability.
Here’s why:
- When writing historical fiction, it’s easier to see the time period may not match the situation at hand.
- When I sought funding for a 501(c)3, I was told it would take two years. Even though I got it done in three months without investors, it took conversations and openness to others’ input.
Beware of the “Boring Arena.” This is where many people give up and quit. It’s time to do the real work that produces results. Before you can launch an idea, the work or prototype must be completed. This is the real work.
- During this time, new ideas will pop up. Put them in a file.
- Shiny Object Syndrome will activate. Thank it for sharing. STAY FOCUSED.
- It can be tedious writing a set number of words per day, redrafting to meet specs, finding more issues than solutions. STAY WITH IT.
- Consider: Can you delegate or ask for help? Is there part of the process someone can take over? NOW, ASK.
- Problems will seem insurmountable. Remember: every problem is an opportunity in disguise. But only if you look. Many times, these opportunities create “eureka moments!” TALK WITH YOUR COACH.
Example: I had many ideas and new characters show up while writing my first historical novel, The Old Wooden Rocker, The Illusion of Family: Book 1. But I stayed focused. Now Books 2 through 5 of The Illusion of Family series are being written.
Remember, not everyone, especially you, will be excited about this phase of the process. But the work must be done after the initial excitement has died.
Stay focused and honor your commitment. Results will happen!
Recently, my neighbor and I conducted a drive for items to donate to a homeless pets’ nonprofit. We didn’t belabor the idea. We agreed, got outside support, and made it happen (flyers, boxes, reminders). Then came the boring part: waiting. Some days, no one added anything to the boxes. Yet, when the drive ended, we had a lot of items to deliver.
Let others have the critical eye. When you’ve done what you can, share appropriately. Editors, bosses, or customers will have questions. Be prepared. If you don’t know the answer, say, “I don’t know yet. What are your thoughts?” Write them down. Conduct research.
Unless your project or book is only for friends and family, do NOT overlook getting outside help. Many books fail due to DIY poor editing, cover design, and formatting. They forget the book or project is for readers and recipients. Many book and projects get tabled because they don’t stand out from everything else on the market.
Other often-overlooked complacency considerations:
- Use copyrights on all creative endeavors. Google “copyright” for more information. (Remember: unless otherwise agreed, any work done on company time is owned by the company.)
- At one point, you will be uncomfortable. Your excuses will get louder. Ask yourself, “Am I more committed to my excuses or my commitment?” I ask myself when complacency sets in, “If I only had six months to live, would this be important?” If yes, I get busy.
- You may give in to thinking this is not meant to be. Yes, publishing a book takes time and money. No, you likely won’t get a big-name publisher offering big bucks. Become resourceful. There are many ways to get a project, book, or idea funded. Talk with investors, objective people with nothing to gain, and your boss or team members.
- When sharing an idea outside your employer (and sometimes inside), have an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) signed. I once told an inventor to get an NDA. He didn’t. The company he pitched to, violated their verbal promise and went to market faster than he could … they had the money, he lost out.
Your dreams, projects, and ideas are counting on you. Honor them. Start now. When complacency kicks in, take the next small step and keep going until the work is done.
© Jeannette Seibly 2026 All Rights Reserved
Jeannette Seibly is a Leadership Results Coach, Talent Advisor, and Business Author with 33 years of experience activating greatness in leaders and companies. She delivers practical coaching and solutions that elevate performance today, build legacies that stand the test of time, and support people empowering themselves to lead with clarity and impact.
Complacency happens frequently for many people with great ideas. Don’t let it get in the way of you achieving your dreams, goals, and purpose. Contact me to get into focused action and start now.