From Delay to Purpose
"Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans." -- Allen Saunders
Delay is woven into the fabric of life. January has evolved into a time to start fresh – yet we fall in old habits of inertia and status quo by February. We postpone estate planning, put off difficult conversations, hold onto belongings that no longer serve us, and sit on financial decisions that could have yielded long-term rewards. Often, we tell ourselves that we’ll get to it later—until later is no longer an option.
The Consequences of Delay
Estate Planning: A Problem for the Next Generation
According to a Gallup poll, only 46% of U.S. adults have a will. This means that over half of Americans are leaving their loved ones to navigate the complexities of probate court, unintended asset distribution, and possible estate tax burdens. The failure to plan isn’t just an administrative issue -- it’s an emotional and financial burden passed down to the next generation.
The Weight of Accumulated “Treasures”
A lifetime of memories is often reflected in the possessions we accumulate. But at the end of life, what was meaningful to us can become an overwhelming responsibility for our children and other loved ones. The modern decluttering movement, popularized by Marie Kondo, highlights the joy of letting go -- but for many, this process never happens. The burden then shifts to heirs, who must decide what stays, what goes, and what to do with sentimental items left behind.
Words Left Unspoken: The Power of Regret
Daniel Pink, in The Power of Regret, explains that people are more likely to regret the things they didn’t do rather than the things they did. This is especially true when it comes to conversations left unsaid -- apologies never given, gratitude never expressed, reconciliations never attempted. While people are resilient and can adjust to loss, unspoken words can leave lasting emotional voids.
The Cost of Sitting on Cash
Financially, delay can mean missing out on compounding growth. Many people keep excessive cash reserves, fearing market volatility, when history has proven that diversified investing far outperforms idle cash over time. Hesitation in investing, much like hesitation in life, can result in lost opportunities that are difficult -- if not impossible -- to regain.
Moving from Delay to Action: A Thoughtful Approach
Breaking free from the habit of delay doesn’t mean taking sweeping action overnight. Instead, lasting change comes from small, incremental steps that shift perspective over time. James Clear, in Atomic Habits, emphasizes the power of small, consistent changes that build momentum. Here’s how to apply this concept to areas where delay is most common:
- Start Small with Estate Planning: If drafting a full estate plan feels overwhelming, begin by listing key assets and intended beneficiaries. Schedule an initial conversation with an attorney to establish momentum.
- Declutter Gradually: Instead of tackling an entire house, start with one drawer or one category of items (e.g., books or clothing). Consider sharing meaningful items with loved ones while you’re still here to explain their significance.
- Have One Important Conversation: Whether it’s expressing gratitude, apologizing, or simply reconnecting, commit to initiating one conversation that you’ve been putting off. While we cannot control the outcome, we can start closing the gap between our intentions and actions to shape our own narrative rather than leaving it to chance – and regret.
- Take One Small Financial Step: If investing feels risky, begin with a small, manageable amount. Automate contributions to a diversified portfolio so that the habit builds naturally over time.
Final Thoughts
Delay is a natural part of life, but unchecked, it can lead to regret, burden, and lost opportunities. The key is not to overhaul everything at once, but to start -- however small the step may be. By making proactive choices today, we can create a future with fewer regrets and greater financial and emotional well-being for ourselves and those we leave behind.