Chapter 1: The Pitfalls of "Sometime"

Every aspiration or good intention can be undermined by the simple utterance of "sometime." It’s an innocuous little term that can slip into our conversations or texts without a second thought. "Let’s meet up sometime." "I’ll start that book sometime." Eliminating that word has been a key factor in my journey towards a more joyous and fulfilling life. Whether it’s about maintaining friendships, enhancing fitness, or pursuing writing, the term “sometime” can be a toxic presence in our lives.

As the saying goes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, often marked by the overuse of "sometime." This path can hinder our relationships, health goals, financial aspirations, or even the simple act of writing. It was only when I recognized how detrimental the term "sometime" could be that I started to make headway in three vital areas of my life.

Section 1.2: Fitness and Commitment

Now, let’s consider fitness. It struck me last year that I needed to prioritize my strength and flexibility. Aging is inevitable, and when my children lightheartedly challenged me, I realized that "sometime" wouldn’t suffice.

I started an exercise regimen but soon fell off track due to Seasonal Affective Disorder during a harsh winter. However, with the arrival of summer, I understood that to fully enjoy my favorite activities and avoid injuries, I needed to get serious about my fitness goals.

After discussing our options, my partner and I decided to join a local gym. We committed to a four-month membership to establish healthy habits and prepare for our favorite outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking. Working out together helps us escape the trap of "sometime" thinking; we motivate each other to fulfill our fitness commitments. Taking decisive action toward better health feels significantly more rewarding than yielding to the empty promises of "sometime."

Chapter 2: Writing with Purpose

After a two-month hiatus from writing—six weeks of which were intentional to reconnect with my partner—I found myself saying, "I need to write sometime." Yet, "sometime" never materialized. Despite having numerous ideas, combating the "sometime" mindset required considerable effort.

Eventually, I discovered an effective strategy inspired by a volunteer at my workplace. He shared that he fits volunteering into his schedule by adding it to the end of his workday or at the beginning of his week. This insight sparked the idea of dedicating time to writing after work. I could spend an hour writing undisturbed, then email the draft to myself for future edits.

I established a Monday/Wednesday writing schedule and have since completed three pieces. Had I not devised a practical solution to combat distractions, "sometime" might have won again.

"Sometime" is not a word of action; it can derail even your best intentions. It can lead to dissatisfaction when we fail to engage in activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.

If you sense that your life isn’t aligning with your desires, I encourage you to examine where "sometime" has crept into your thoughts or conversations. Eliminate it as the insidious term it is and consciously choose how you wish to spend your time.

These days, my weeks are filled with purposeful activities that propel me toward my goals. Friendships, fitness, and writing are on the right track, and I’ve found increased happiness simply by being mindful of the word "sometime."

The first video, "Ryan Stevenson - When We Fall Apart (Official Video)," beautifully encapsulates the emotions tied to loss and perseverance, reinforcing the importance of decisive action in our lives.

The second video, "Even My Best Won't Be Good Enough - Rosie Thomas (Official Video)," speaks to the struggles we face in our personal journeys and the need to overcome the barriers posed by hesitation and doubt.