"不要说：当我有空时我才会学习；也许你没有空。"

The core idea here is pretty straightforward: Don’t put off studying for some hypothetical future when you think you’ll have more free time. Because let’s be real—free time is often a mirage. You plan for it, but life has a funny way of filling your schedule with unexpected stuff. So, if you have something to learn, don’t wait around. Start now.

Historically, this kind of advice comes from a long tradition of valuing education and personal growth. Ages ago, back when books were rare and formal education was for the elite, people like scholars and philosophers would emphasize using every spare moment to learn. Knowledge was power, and missing out on learning opportunities could mean missing out on better life opportunities.

Now, imagine this in a modern context. Picture Sarah, a 32-year-old mom who works a full-time job. She’s always wanted to learn Spanish. She keeps telling herself, “When the kids are older, and I have more time, I’ll start those lessons.” But guess what? The kids’ schedules are only getting busier, and her work is just as demanding. Waiting for the perfect chunk of free time means she might never get around to it.

Instead, Sarah could weave studying into her existing schedule. Think about it: she might listen to Spanish podcasts during her commute or use a language learning app for ten minutes before bed. These small, consistent efforts add up. By not waiting for some ideal future moment, she’s taking control of her learning now.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by ditching the myth of “later.” Look at your day and find those small pockets of time. Maybe it’s while you’re waiting for your coffee to brew, or during your lunch break. Every little bit counts. Don’t aim for hours of free time—focus on consistent, manageable chunks.

Here’s a relatable story to drive it home. Picture Dave, a young professional who’s always dreamed of playing the guitar. He buys a beautiful instrument, but it sits in the corner of his room gathering dust. Dave’s excuse? “I’ll start when I have more free time.” But free time never comes. There’s always another work project, another social event, another episode on Netflix.

One day, Dave decides to try a new approach. Instead of waiting for an elusive free weekend, he sets a tiny goal: just five minutes of practice a day. He leaves the guitar out where he can see it, and those five minutes often turn into ten, sometimes even fifteen. Before he knows it, he’s playing songs he loves and feeling more fulfilled. The key was starting small and being consistent—not waiting for the perfect moment.

So next time you catch yourself saying, “I’ll do it when I have more time,” stop. Think about how you can start now, even in the smallest way. Life rarely hands you large chunks of free time. It’s up to you to make the most of the moments you have.