"اگر صبر کنی تا فردا به دنبال آرزوهایت بروی تا به آنها برسی از بین رفته‌اند"

Putting things off until tomorrow can be a tempting habit. But, if you keep delaying your dreams, you might find that when you finally get around to them, it’s too late. That’s the central idea behind this quote. Dreams have an expiration date—wait too long, and the opportunity might slip through your fingers.

Think about the historical context for a moment. This sentiment has been echoed through the ages, from ancient proverbs to modern self-help books. Why? Because it speaks to a universal truth about human nature and procrastination. We often think we have unlimited time until we realize, sometimes too late, that we don’t.

Let’s bring this to life with a real-world example. Picture Sarah. She’s always dreamed of opening a little bakery. She’s got a knack for baking, and her friends rave about her cakes. But she’s stuck in a corporate job, telling herself she’ll start the bakery “next year.” Every year, something else comes up. First, it’s her kids needing attention; then it’s financial security; later, it’s just plain fear of failure. Ten years down the line, Sarah’s dream is still “tomorrow.” The kids are off to college, and finally, she thinks, “Maybe now.” But wait—her energy isn’t what it used to be, the market’s crowded, and she’s out of touch with the latest trends. Her dream, once so vibrant, feels like a distant, almost unachievable fantasy now.

So how do you avoid becoming Sarah? First off, take small steps. You don’t have to quit your job and open a bakery overnight. Start by baking for local events or selling online. Each step gets you closer to your dream without the overwhelming fear of immediate, massive change. Set a timeline with actual dates. Put it in your calendar. Hold yourself accountable, or even better, find a friend or mentor who will.

Now, let’s imagine another scenario. Think about John, who’s always wanted to travel the world. He plans on doing it after he retires—sounds reasonable, right? But suddenly, he faces health issues in his 60s that make traveling difficult, if not impossible. The dream of trekking through the Himalayas or scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef? Gone. If John had taken even shorter trips while he was younger, he could’ve experienced bits of his dream without waiting for “someday.”

This concept isn’t just for huge life goals, either. It’s the little daily dreams, too. Want to learn guitar? Start today. Pick up the darn thing and strum a few chords. Want to write a book? Write a page tonight. Maybe it’s terrible—who cares? You’re moving forward.

In essence, it’s about not waiting for some perfect “tomorrow” that never comes. Life is happening right now. Don’t let your future self look back with regret for missed opportunities. Get out there and start working on your dreams today. They deserve your immediate attention, and so do you.