This is the second time in as many weeks that I have been inspired by a Jimmy Buffett song. I am a huge fan of his lyrics and, while listening, I philosophically analyze them. Today the song is “Breathe in. Breathe Out. Move on”.
It appeared on his 2006 album “Take the Weather With You.” The song was written by Buffett for the victims of Hurricane Katrina that hit the gulf coast and most notably New Orleans. The lyrics are powerful and apply not just to those recovering from a hurricane but for all of us in life that encounter obstacles and challenges.
That’s all of us right?
The relevant lyrics are: “I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man floating down canal. It doesn’t use numbers or moving hands it always just say “now.” Now you may be thinking that I was had, but this watch is never wrong. And if I have trouble the warranty said “breathe in, breathe out, move on.”
I want to get a “Now” watch to remind me that my time is now. No matter the obstacles and challenges that I face there will never be a better time than now to begin, to continue, to persevere and to triumph.
Have you ever found yourself playing the “when….then” game? This is where you have a great idea or a goal or passion that you want to pursue but you rationalize a start date later in the future because the time just isn’t right….now. You find yourself thinking I will write that book this summer when we finish the remodel or I will file my articles of incorporation after the holidays. This is how New Year’s resolutions got so popular, folks wanted a starting point for changes in their life but wanted to wait until the holidays were over so they could focus.
Why are New Year’s resolutions forgotten so quickly after the New Year? The timing is never right. We get busy, distracted and fall into complacency. It is almost as if we need a New Year’s day every 2 weeks to keep us focused.
You will always be able to find excuses for why “now” isn’t the time to start your big endeavor, why tomorrow would be better to quit smoking, start your business or start saving for college/retirement. That is why I want to buy a “Now” watch for that daily reminder, the time is NOW.
Remember, as Buffett continued, “this watch is never wrong.” But, “if you have trouble”, and you will, “breathe in, breathe out [and] move on”. Making change is not easy. Most worthwhile things come after dedicated and concerted effort. Do not quit or make excuses or shy away from your dream.
According to my watch the time is now, the past is dead and gone… Recommit and refocus, your dream is worth fighting for. Thank you Jimmy.
Question: Do you have a daily reminder to stay committed and keep your dream alive? Leave your comment below of click here.
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