Dreams take time and that’s okay

I’m surprised how well my wife and I danced the Rhumba on Monday night. We only started a month ago after all. I’m surprised how effortlessly we added a few more advanced moves like under arm turns this week. But I shouldn’t be surprised.

I’m surprised how much my soccer game has improved. It’s been three years since I played for the first time ever at the tender young age of 38. I’m surprised that I’ve gotten quite good. But I shouldn’t be surprised.

I know that perfect practice makes perfect. I know that habits beat goals. I know the power of compounding. And yet, when I see it in action it still surprises me.

One of the pennies that finally, really and truly dropped for me this year, is that mastery of a thing or success in an area just takes time.

“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.” - E. Nightingale

I’ve got a few personal dreams I’m mulling over and I feel less anxious about them these days. I feel more patient and less hasty. I know deep down each of them will be 3, 5 or 7 year projects. 

These dreams or ambitions don’t scare me anymore than playing soccer against guys half my age does. They are just new dances to learn. All I need is time, and that’s something we all get the same amount of everyday.