You get the idea: The sellers have accepted your offer, and now you have to wait 12 weeks to close on your dream house. Or, she said 'yes', but the new challenge is making it through months of showers, parties, and other social rituals before you both can say 'I do.' Or, you spent years planning an anniversary trip to Europe that was postponed two times because of the pandemic — you weren't sure you'd ever make it there.
Life truly is a waiting game.
Last week, after spending nearly three months creating a design portfolio, gathering transcripts and recommendations, and writing an essays, I was accepted to the New York School of Interior Design. It is ranked in the top 3 schools in the nation for Interior Design, and they offer an outstanding distance learning program. As you can imagine, I'm over the moon. But unfortunately, the September start date feels just as far away.
Have you ever had the feeling that something is just so right that you don't want to wait? It's happened to me many times, and I cope by being as productive as possible in the interim. More often than not, this focus has helped me manifest the desired outcome. For example, when I decided to run for our local City Commission, I diligently began planning and pulling together a campaign team, garnering support and learning about the issues I would face after the election — even though it was nearly a year away. And when my retail business was closed for three months during the early days of Covid, I didn't take a break. I worked even harder and longer studying social media management and building a web site and on-line store.
When election day came, I won by a 2-to-1 margin. And when it was safe to reopen the store, we were stronger than ever.
Currently, I find myself in a similar situation: I made the hard decision to change careers. I planned, researched and committed to a future in interior design. And I was accepted to my #1 choice school. Now, again... the waiting game.
With the time investment and expense of going back to school, I have to get it right. It feels uncomfortable and awkward returning after 30 years. I have anxiety and concerns about keeping up, fitting in and being good enough. So, here is where I've learned to lean in.
Preparation has always been the best defense against failure. Most anything is possible if you take the time to create a strategy that considers all outcomes and do the work needed to lay a foundation for success. This also includes having a 'Plan B' in case things don't go as hoped.
As a result, I plan to spend the next four months familiarizing myself with the Microsoft operating system (I've been a Mac user my entire life), taking summer classes in order to hone my drawing and drafting skills, and establishing a side business to help pay the bills.
Trust me, if you take the time and make the effort before an important decision or life change, the actual event seems easy; even enjoyable. If you've been forced to wait for something important, I'd love to hear about how you spent your time waiting. Please leave a comment below.