A Chinese proverb translates to: “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.”

We are adept at finding things we wish we had done differently a long time ago. Past decisions we didn’t make. The path we did not lay for ourselves. 

Knowledge like this is useful, to a point. 

That point is when analysis turns to defeatism, resignation or a sinking self-concept. We didn’t plan ahead so we blew it. We chose the wrong path so we failed. 

Few things are irretrievable. Mislabeling decisions that are not hopeless is as bad as focusing all our attention on the truly unchangeable. On those circumstances we cannot control.

Is there a time in our past we wish we had planted that tree? Probably. Can we make a change or decision today to move in the direction we seek? Once we decide there is such a path, we can, “yes, and” ourselves into motion.

Yes, I wish I’d done this back then and now I will make the best decision looking forward. I will learn and act rather than wish and dwell.

Many decisions offer the chance to plant trees for our future. What are those things for you?

For some, those may include exercise, reading, online coursework, or estate planning. Maybe rekindling or nourishing an important relationship today so it thrives into the future.

Wishing won’t make it so, but acting with the future in mind just may.