Waiting Feels Safe. That’s Why It’s Dangerous.

Have you ever said “I’m just waiting for the right time," or "I'm being patient until conditions improve"?

All of us have said something similar over the course of our life around something important we wanted. Maybe you’re waiting for the market to shift. Or for clarity to magically slap you in the face so you know what's next. Or for that deal to finally close so you have more money.

But let’s get something straight…

Waiting is not an action.

It's disguised as one. We dress it up in phrases like “being patient” or “timing the market” or “waiting for the stars to align.” But most of the time, it’s just fear in costume.

Now don’t get it twisted...patience can be smart. Timing matters. But here’s the truth:

Patience is not permission to do nothing.

Think about the old saying: “It’s better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.”
Sounds cool. But what’s the warrior doing in the garden?

He’s sharpening his blade. Training. Getting stronger. Practicing awareness.

Because he doesn’t know when the next battle will come. But he’s sure as hell not pulling weeds all day and hoping for peace!

You’ve got to adopt the same mindset. Just because you can’t make your final move yet… doesn’t mean you don’t move at all.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

1. You’re waiting to launch your business.

Conditions feel uncertain. Maybe the economy’s shaky. Maybe your energy is low.

Fine. Don’t launch today.

But you can start building your email list.
You can start testing your offer.
You can get one client and help the hell out of them.

Waiting to launch doesn’t mean waiting to build.

2. You’re stuck in a job but unsure what’s next.

Don’t quit if you don’t know where you’re going yet.

But don’t sit on your hands either.

Start learning new skills after hours.
Use your weekends to explore what lights you up.
Get your finances in order so you can move when the time is right.

Your exit strategy should feel more like a runway, not a leap of faith.

So what do you do when action feels murky but you know something has to shift?

Use this simple 5-step pivot plan to redirect your Time, Energy, and Attention (T.E.A.).

Step-by-Step: How to Pivot While You Wait

1. Define the Goal You’re Waiting On
Be honest. What exactly are you waiting for?
Clarity? A number in the bank? A decision from someone else?

2. Ask: “What’s still within my control right now?”
List out what you can influence today even if it’s small. Build momentum.

3. Reallocate Your T.E.A.
In the T.E.A.M.S. acronym, the T.E.A. = Focus. If the big move is paused, where can you invest time, energy, or attention that supports the goal in the meantime?

Example:
Goal paused = Launching a business
T.E.A. pivot = Spend 4 hours a week building a lead magnet and improving your network

4. Create Weekly Action Metrics
Pick 1–3 small metrics to track that move you forward without needing “perfect timing.”
This keeps you engaged and out of analysis paralysis.

5. Review and Adjust Monthly
Fog might clear. Timing might improve. Or not.
Either way—you’re not the same person 30 days from now.

Here’s the bottom line:

“Waiting” doesn’t protect you. Preparation does.

Don’t be the gardener in a war.
Be the warrior in the garden… armed, ready, and sharpening your edge.

Because when the moment comes, you won’t need luck.

You’ll be ready.