One of the quotes that had the biggest influence on me is by Seneca: “The fool with all his other faults has this also – he is always getting ready to live.”
But what does this mean exactly?
Today, we’re going to get into it.
This isn’t about pointing fingers. I was once guilty of this myself—and to some extent, I still am. It’s easy to fall into the trap of endless preparation, convincing ourselves that we’re getting ready for life when, in reality, we’re just postponing it.
The point here isn’t to criticize but to foster growth and to make the most of the short lives each of us live.
So, let’s dive in.
1) Constantly waiting for the “right” moment
One of the most common behaviors of those who are “preparing to live” is the habit of waiting for the perfect moment to act. They tell themselves they’ll start that project, pursue that passion, or make that big life change when the timing is just right.
But here’s the harsh truth: the right moment almost never arrives.
This behavior is rooted in fear—fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and sometimes even fear of success. It’s a way of avoiding action under the guise of preparation.
I’ve found myself trapped in this mindset more times than I’d like to admit. I’d plan meticulously, gathering resources and waiting for the stars to align, only to realize that years had slipped by without me taking the leap. It’s a subtle form of procrastination, wrapped in the comforting illusion of productivity.
To counter this, the Stoics remind us to focus on what we can do now. Marcus Aurelius emphasized, “You may depart from life at once; act and speak and think in every case accordingly.” (The Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus, 1944)
The Stoics knew that life is unpredictable and the only time we truly have is the present moment.
So, stop waiting for the right moment. Instead, start where you are, with what you have. Action breeds momentum, and momentum brings you closer to the life you’re meant to live. Don’t let the illusion of perfect timing keep you from living fully today.
2) Overplanning and ‘underdoing’
Have you ever spent hours, days, or even weeks planning something down to the last detail, only to find yourself never actually starting?
Overplanning is a common trap for those who are always “preparing to live.” It gives the illusion of progress but often leads to stagnation.
The problem with overplanning is that it keeps you in a perpetual state of preparation. You might feel productive as you outline every possible scenario, but without action, all those plans are just theoretical.
Life is full of uncertainties, and no amount of planning can account for every variable. The longer you spend trying to perfect your plan, the less likely you are to ever put it into motion.
The key is to strike a balance. While it’s important to have a plan, it’s equally important to be adaptable and ready to act. Instead of spending endless time refining your ideas, focus on taking the first step.
Execution beats perfection every time.
3) Avoiding difficult tasks
It’s tempting to avoid difficult tasks, convincing ourselves that we’ll tackle them later when we’re “better prepared.” But as Robert Frost wisely put it, “The best way out is always through.”
Avoidance might seem like an easy way out, but it only prolongs the inevitable.
Challenges don’t vanish when ignored; they often become more formidable. By sidestepping the tough tasks, we miss out on the growth and resilience that come from facing adversity head-on.
Embracing difficulties as they arise not only makes us stronger but also propels us closer to our goals. The more we avoid, the more we delay our progress.
Instead of waiting for a more convenient time, tackle the challenges now. The reward isn’t just in the accomplishment, but in the personal growth that comes with overcoming obstacles.
4) Constantly seeking more information
So let’s say you’ve decided to start a new project or pursue a goal. You’re excited and motivated, but instead of diving in, you spend endless hours researching, reading articles, watching tutorials, and gathering more information. The more you learn, the more you realize there’s still so much more to know. So, you keep searching, thinking that just a little more knowledge will finally make you ready.
Sound familiar?
Well, it was familiar to me not so long ago… all too familiar. I found myself caught in this cycle of endless research, convincing myself that I was making progress when, in reality, I was just delaying action. The pursuit of knowledge became an excuse to avoid taking the first step.
The problem with this approach is that there’s always more to learn, and the perfect moment of “complete readiness” never arrives. At some point, you have to stop gathering information and start applying what you already know. The best way to learn is often by doing, making mistakes, and refining your approach along the way.
5) Delaying joy for the sake of “later”
I once heard a famous entrepreneur say something like, “The winner is the one who can hold their breath the longest.” I guess it was about the value of delayed gratification, and I took it to heart. Maybe too much.
Don’t get me wrong—delayed gratification is a powerful tool. It teaches discipline, patience, and focus on long-term goals. But there’s a fine line between delaying gratification and postponing happiness indefinitely. When you constantly put off enjoying life, waiting for that perfect moment when everything aligns, you risk missing out on the joy available to you right now.
Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and the milestones you’re waiting for might never come. Delayed gratification shouldn’t mean denying yourself the simple pleasures of the present. It’s about balance—working toward your goals while also finding contentment in the journey.
The key is to recognize when you’re delaying joy unnecessarily. Instead of holding your breath, find moments to breathe deeply and appreciate the life you’re living now. Don’t wait until you’ve reached the summit to enjoy the view; find beauty and satisfaction along the way.
6) Focusing on perfection over progress
Perfectionism is another common trait among those who are always “preparing to live.” The idea that everything needs to be just right before taking action can be paralyzing.
But the pursuit of perfection often leads to inaction.
The truth is, perfection is an illusion. There will always be room for improvement, and if you wait until everything is flawless, you’ll never move forward. This mindset can prevent you from taking the necessary steps to achieve your goals, as you become overly critical of your own efforts and fear making mistakes.
What really matters is progress, not perfection. Every step you take, no matter how small or imperfect, brings you closer to your goals. Progress builds momentum, and momentum leads to growth. The path to success is rarely a straight line, and it’s the willingness to embrace imperfections and learn from them that ultimately leads to achievement.
7) Overcommitting and underachieving
Last but definitely not least is a tendency to overcommit. They fill their schedules with tasks, projects, and obligations, believing that being constantly busy is a sign of productivity and progress. But in reality, this overcommitment often leads to underachievement.
When you take on too much, your attention and energy are scattered across many different areas. This makes it difficult to give any one task the focus it deserves. As a result, you may find yourself starting many things but finishing few, leaving a trail of half-completed projects and unmet goals.
Overcommitting can also lead to burnout, as the sheer volume of obligations becomes overwhelming. Instead of making meaningful progress, you’re left feeling stretched thin, exhausted, and unfulfilled.
The solution is to be more selective about where you invest your time and energy. Focus on fewer commitments but give them your full attention. By narrowing your focus, you can achieve more meaningful results and avoid the trap of spreading yourself too thin.
The bottom line
If you’re always “preparing to live,” life will pass you by. Start taking action, embrace the present, and make the most of the time you have.
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