After reading several tributes to Dolly Parton, it reminded me that I too don’t have time to continue thinking about it, hoping for it, or wishing life wasn’t the way it is. And many of you readers have the same challenge. You believe since you’ve hit or surpassed age 55 it’s downhill. Time to coast. Too tired to do anything or create anything new.
Nonsense! Let’s look at what can be done.
We all participate in the illusion of time, a myth of unlimited tomorrows. But the truth is we all have the same 24/7. Some people make the most of this time, while many others bide their time waiting for a different day, month, or year (maybe a decade). Time is not elastic; it’s the one resource that only shrinks as we get older. And opportunities have a tendency to evaporate if we’re taking too much time to “think about it.”
Today is the only day you can act. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is a guess.
There is a quiet wake‑up call that arrives after age 55: awareness that time we have left is not infinite. We start to think that time is our enemy, but, in reality, our assumptions about growing older is the true enemy.
Why “I’ll do it time later” Is the Most Dangerous Phrase for You
- Later feels responsible, but it’s actually avoiding the steps needed to move forward.
- Later is how days, months, and years disappear without meaningful change.
- Later creates regrets.
- Later allows us to remain stuck in habits, mindsets, and relying on emotional barometers.
- Later fails to prioritize self.
- Later lacks urgency.
- Later often means hanging on to past mistakes and failures.
Time to Pivot: Choose Legacy, Not Survival
“What do you really, really, really want?” is rarely asked for many reasons. Because we’ve never asked this question, we don’t have the answer. And, often use that as an excuse for staying stuck.
The #1 excuse is the fear of failure.
You’re allowed to want more at ages 55, 65, 75, and beyond. Wanting isn’t selfish. It’s being honest. But waiting until the perfect moment has you sabotage yourself.
How to Move Forward
What Matters? Get focused on what truly matters and set aside “busy-ness.” Do not analyze or wait in an attempt to feel the feelings. What is your commitment? Getting an oil change won’t be a feel-good action for most people, but it shows a commitment to a car that works.
Finish What’s Unfinished. Write down anything that is unfinished, instead of allowing unfinished projects or people to drain your energy and confidence. Now, give yourself permission to cross off those things you know you will not do (get real – will never do)! Be honest. Remember, time isn’t going to wait for it to “feel right.”
Review current list and take one step daily (e.g., change a light bulb, clean cat box, talk with a neighbor about parking, make the phone call, schedule a doctor or dentist appointment).
Find Support. Be sure the person is committed to your success. Get in action and don’t wait for them to say yes or find the time! Move on to another person.
The Turning Point Question: “If Not Now, When?”
To get you moving in the right direction, journal the above question with direct responses. Don’t hide. Directness disrupts complacency. This allows you to reframe your legacy/dream/goal as a current responsibility, not a future project.
Legacy begins the moment you see yourself as someone who creates, not someone who expects time to wait until you’re ready.
One Action Today: The Legacy Accelerator
Choose One Commitment. Make a list to get started and write all your thoughts and ideas. Cross off all but the top 4. Now rank them in order. Do not spend time analyzing them. The truth is, numbers 2, 3, and 4 may happen when you achieve commitment #1.
Why write it down? Writing engages the brain in a manner that allows new and different ideas or ways to pop open and achieve intended results.
Make It Meaningful Enough. What do you really, really, really want? Yes, write it down. Stop analyzing or trying to feel the “real” feeling! And, don’t talk yourself out of it!
Make it Visible. Write down your #1 goal and post it on your mirror or laptop.
Make it Do-able Today. Remember, one step at a time, every day. Do not get stopped by imperfection, mistakes, or failures. Ask, “What did I learn?”
When New Ideas Pop Up. During this time, new ideas and other items will appear (e.g., an idea to sell items online that you were holding to sell someday). Write them down. Set them aside for now.
Celebrate Your Wins! Each step forward is a win! Celebrate by bragging and acknowledging yourself.
Time Isn’t the Issue. Your alignment and relationship with time is.
Repeat daily: “I choose to thrive today and I am in action fulfilling my goals.”
Now, take at least one action that feels urgent, grounded, and empowering. Remember small aligned actions repeated daily build a legacy faster than waiting to find the “time” and “energy.” Waiting for the opportunity to take the “one big effort” gets you nowhere.
©Jeannette Seibly 2026 All Rights Reserved
Jeannette Seibly is a legacy‑driven Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author. For over 33 years, she has empowered thousands of executives and business leaders to achieve sustainable success through strategic hiring, values‑based coaching, and intentional leadership development. Her work blends clarity, accountability, and soulful impact—activating performance and purpose at every level.