“How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?” — Epictetus

We’ve all done it.

• “I’ll start working out when work slows down.”
• “I’ll focus on my finances once I make more money.”
• “I’ll prioritize my mental health when life isn’t so stressful.”

The problem? That mythical “later” never really arrives. There’s always another deadline, another unexpected expense, another reason to wait just a little longer.

The belief that happiness, success, or well-being will come once we reach a certain point—once we’ve made enough, once we have more time, once life is more stable—is one of the biggest traps we fall into.

And while we wait, the costs quietly pile up

The True Cost of Waiting*

Deferring action on health, wealth, and mental wellness doesn’t just impact today—it compounds over time.

The Financial Cost of a Late Start*

Let’s say you decide to wait 10 years before seriously investing for the future.

• Investing $1,000 per year for 40 years at a 7% return = $213,610
• Investing $1,000 per year for 30 years instead = $101,073

That 10-year delay? It cost you nearly $112,537.00

Time is the most valuable asset when it comes to financial growth—waiting is the most expensive decision.

The Physical Cost of Delay

Now, let’s apply the same idea to physical health.

• Muscle mass declines by 3-8% per decade after 30, and the rate accelerates after 50.
• A 45-year-old who starts strength training can maintain muscle mass.
• A 50-year-old who starts will likely have lost 5-10% of their muscle, meaning they have to work harder just to get back to baseline.
• A 60-year-old who starts is now playing catch-up against decades of lost mobility and strength.

By waiting, you’re not just missing out—you’re digging a deeper hole that’s harder to climb out of.

The Mental Cost of Delay

Your mental well-being follows the same pattern.

• Chronic stress shrinks the hippocampus, the brain’s memory center.
• Untreated anxiety or depression increases the risk of dementia by 24%.
• One in five adults will experience mental health challenges in a given year, yet the average delay between onset and treatment is 11 years.

Mental wellness isn’t something to deal with “when things calm down.” It’s the foundation that helps you navigate the chaos.

Your Future Self is Watching

Imagine a conversation with your future self, the version of you five, ten, or twenty years from now. What would they say about the choices you’re making today?

• Would they thank you for taking action on your health, wealth, and mindset now?
• Or would they be standing in front of you, wishing you had started sooner?

Epictetus reminds us that waiting for some external condition—more money, more time, more stability—to finally prioritize what matters is a lie we tell ourselves.

The reality? You don’t become healthier, wealthier, or happier by waiting. You become those things by starting.

A Challenge: Start Now, Even If It’s Small

If you’re waiting for later, challenge that mindset today. Pick one small action to take immediately:

• Financial wellness: Automate a small amount into an investment account, even if it’s just $50/month. If you’re unsure where to start, ask for help.
• Physical wellness: Go for a 30-minute walk today. No fancy program needed—just move.
• Mental wellness: Write down three things you’re grateful for, journal your thoughts, or do one small good deed for someone else.

Because later never really comes—but your future self does.

*For illustrative purposes only. Illustration does not take into account fees and expenses, which would necessarily reduce these returns