"遅くなってもやらないよりはまし"

Sometimes, we just need a reminder that it's okay to be a bit behind on things, as long as we eventually get there. That's the heart of the saying that emphasizes the significance of taking action, even if it’s delayed. It’s a gentle nudge telling us that completing something, no matter how late, is infinitely better than not doing it at all.

Historically, this saying has been around for a long time, likely because it resonates so deeply with the human experience. We’re all procrastinators sometimes, and who hasn't felt the pang of regret for not starting or finishing something sooner? It’s a phrase that’s been used to soothe worries and offer some perspective. You've probably heard it from a friend when you were feeling behind, or maybe you remember a teacher saying it when you submitted a late assignment.

Imagine you’ve always dreamed of learning to play the guitar. You bought one years ago, but it’s been sitting in the corner collecting dust. Life got in the way—work, family, endless to-do lists. One day, you pick it up and start strumming. Your fingers fumble, and it sounds rough, but you persist. Before you know it, you're playing your favorite songs. You might think, “Why didn’t I start this earlier?” But the joy and satisfaction you feel now confirm that it’s better late than never.

So, how can you put this wisdom to good use? Start small. If there’s something you’ve been putting off, don’t wait for the perfect moment. It doesn’t exist. Dive in where you are. If you’re worried about being too late—don’t be. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, reconnecting with an old friend, or finally tackling that home project, beginning now is better than not beginning at all.

Think about Sarah, a woman in her 50s. She always wanted to go back to school and finish her degree, but life threw her curveballs—raising kids, working multiple jobs. She felt it was too late. But one day, she decided to enroll in night classes. Fast forward a few years, and she proudly walks across the stage to receive her diploma. Her children cheer her on, inspired by her determination. Sarah's late start didn’t diminish her achievement; it enhanced it.

By embracing "better late than never," you give yourself permission to be imperfect. You're acknowledging that while time has passed, the opportunity to act hasn’t. It's about resilience, perseverance, and understanding that late is a relative term. We all move at our own pace, and that's okay.

So next time you catch yourself thinking it’s too late to start something, remember Sarah, or that dusty guitar. Give yourself the grace to start now, late as it may seem. Because honestly, starting late is miles better than never starting at all. And who knows? You might just find that the journey, no matter how delayed, is exactly what you needed.