You can just do things (especially if you don’t have that long to live)

You can just do things (especially if you don’t have that long to live)

Title: “Stop Waiting for Perfect: Why ‘You Can Just Do Things’ Is the Mindset You Need (Especially If Time is Short)”

Meta Description: Stuck in overthinking? Learn how embracing the “you can just do things” mindset can revolutionize how you live, create, and prioritize—especially when time feels limited.

Introduction: The Freedom of Imperfect Action

We’ve all been paralyzed by the idea of “someday.” Someday I’ll start that business. Someday I’ll write the book. Someday I’ll prioritize joy. But what if “someday” is a myth? What if, instead of waiting for perfect conditions, you could just do things—today?

This philosophy gained traction from a viral social media post by an AI researcher facing terminal cancer. His revelation? “You can just do things. Nobody needs to give you permission.” It’s a rallying cry against procrastination, perfectionism, and society’s obsession with credentials. And if you suspect your time is limited—whether due to health, age, or sheer urgency—this mindset becomes not just empowering, but essential.

Here’s why acting now matters, and how to start.

Why Do We Wait? The Hidden Costs of Delay

We delay action because of:

1. Fear of Failure: “What if I’m not good enough?”
2. Perfectionism: “I’ll start when I have more time/knowledge/resources.”
3. Permission Seeking: Waiting for validation from others.
4. Overplanning: Mistaking preparation for progress.

But waiting has a cost. Time spent hesitating is time lost. For those confronting mortality—or simply realizing life is fleeting—this truth hits harder.

The Power of “Just Doing Things” (Especially Under a Deadline)

When time feels scarce, every moment becomes intentional. Here’s how limited time fuels action:

1. Permission Slips Expire
   — No one will grant you the “right” moment. You grant it to yourself.
2. Done > Perfect
   — A rough draft, a prototype, or a messy first attempt is still infinitely more valuable than an unrealized idea.
3. Regret Minimization
   — On their deathbeds, people rarely wish they’d second-guessed themselves more. They regret not doing.

Example: The terminally ill AI researcher didn’t wait for peer reviews or offers—he published code and shared ideas immediately. His impact? Accelerated collaboration in his field.

How to Start “Just Doing Things”

1. Accept That Time is Finite

— Ask: “If I had one year left, what would I prioritize?” Use this clarity to cut through noise.

2. Start Tiny (and Build Momentum)

— Can’t write a book? Write one paragraph.
— Dream of a business? Sketch a 5-minute plan.
— Action begets action.

3. Kill the “Qualified” Myth

— No degree? No experience? So what. Start small, learn publicly, and iterate.
— Examples: J.K. Rowling (rejected 12 times), Brian Chesky (Airbnb started with air mattresses).

4. Embrace “Good Enough”

— Release imperfect work. Fix it later. Launch now.

5. Redefine Success

— Success isn’t always fame or profit. It’s doing the thing that matters to YOU.

What If You’re Not Running Out of Time?

Even with decades ahead, adopting this mindset liberates you:

• Procrastination fades when you realize now is all we truly have.
• Joy increases as you align actions with personal values.
• Legacy builds through consistent small acts.

Final Thought: Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call

You don’t need a terminal diagnosis to live urgently. Life’s default setting is “limited time.” Whether you have 50 years or 5 months, the most radical thing you can do is begin.

So today, ask yourself: “What’s one thing I’ve been overthinking that I can just… do?”

Write the email. Schedule the call. Post the art. Book the trip. Start now—no permission needed.

Your time is now. Use it.

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Internal Linking Suggestions:

• [How to Overcome Fear of Failure]
• [Minimalist Productivity: Doing More by Planning Less]
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Meta Tag: Embrace urgency. Learn why “you can just do things” is the ultimate antidote to procrastination, perfectionism, and living small—especially when time is short.