Are you waiting for the magical moment when everything in your life is just how you want it to be? Patiently (or impatiently) waiting for that one thing to happen in your life that will finally free you to begin living the life that you’ve always envisioned for yourself?

Well, if you are, you are not alone. Waiting for perfect is a common affliction that many of us face in our daily lives. And if we’re not careful, this carefully crafted form of procrastination will prevent us from pursuing our dreams forever.

We all know that nothing in life is perfect, yet we wait for days, weeks, months, and even years to start whatever it is that will make us feel whole, happy, and alive.

We pass on invitations to dinner parties, weddings, and vacations. We think twice before we accept a date, apply to graduate school, or buy a house. We put off losing weight, relocating to another state or country, and switching careers. We passively wait to begin writing the book we’ve always wanted to, searching for that great new job that will rescue us from our rut, or start our dream business we’ve been telling everyone about.

And, naturally, we create a kaleidoscope of excuses as to why we are not doing that ‘thing’ that will make us radiate with joy. I didn’t lose weight. He didn’t ask me out. I am single. I am married. I was passed over for the promotion. I don’t have enough time. I don’t have enough money. I am just not in the right mood right now. I don’t know anyone who lives there.

Yet, here we are just as we were yesterday, the week before, the month prior, and last year — sitting on our sofas as we allow life to giddily pass us by.

Why? Are we that masochistic?

Listen, perfect will never happen. Not in your lifetime. And not in mine.

In order to live life passionately, genuinely, and with meaning, you have to give up the idea of perfection. There is no perfect time for you to pursue whatever it is that will bring you enjoyment, peace, and fulfillment.

Stop wasting time waiting for the permission of perfection.

The very act of doing and accomplishing will bring you that moment of euphoria that you’ve been longing for during those days, weeks, months, and years of waiting to live your life authentically.

Perfection begins with you, in this very moment, giving yourself permission to live the life you’ve always dreamed about. Don’t wait for perfect to live. Living doesn’t require permission, and neither do you.