The Right Time is Now
There will never be a perfect time to do something that stretches you. In fact, if we waited for the perfect time to do something uncomfortable or challenging, most of us would still be waiting. I've found this to be true in most areas of life.
There's never a perfect time to have a surgery.
There's never a perfect time to change careers.
There's never a perfect time to start a business.
That doesn't mean we should live carelessly, but at some point we have to come to grips with the fact that uncertainty is the only path forward. After all, if we were ready for it, it wouldn't be growth.
I've learned time and time again that the right time is usually now. A mentor once told me, "Don't pray for easier battles, pray to be a stronger soldier." And strong soldiers take action when action needs to be taken.
We can hope for the perfect conditions. We can earnestly wish for the ideal setting. We can pray for the stars to align. But if you want something―need something―then you must take a step forward and go get it.
I've recently been wrestling with this in my own life. A few professional opportunities presented themselves but because they were opportunities that would "stretch" me, I didn't feel the timing was right; it wasn't the perfect time.
More recently, some additional opportunities came along. Rather than declaring that the timing wasn't quite right, I leaned into it. Although it's still early, I can say I made the right decision to pursue it.
There's never a perfect time. And if we know that, then the "perfect" time is now.