Are you creating timestamps for your life?

One of my all-time favourite sayings.

"If not me, then who? If not now, then when?"

It is a simple call to arms, a self-reflective commentary on one's duty or willingness to do the work.

The saying has been reserved for big moments or moments of crisis.

When the chips are stacked against a person or movement, it is a rallying cry to all those listening—responsibility and ownership of the outcome starts now, with us.

I used the sentence recently.

Walking around my apartment pondering on my lack of creative output, weighing up my capacity versus my willingness to create.

Is the timing right?

Will I say the right thing?

Who even cares what I think?

Have I earned the right to use my voice?

Has there been too much silence in between?

The questions circled and circled until I asked one final question—if not now, then when?

Then, without overthinking, I opened my laptop, wrote down that sentence and kept on tapping away. A few minutes later, I had an introduction and within 5 minutes, I was at this point in the newsletter.

Overcoming self-doubt is not a straight line.

It's a constant work in progress, and every single day we have to work to keep it at bay.

All the work I had done in the previous 4 years didn't mean anything if today I could not create on a whim or because my soul desired that I made something... anything.

A recent conversation with my buddy Jeswri reminded me of the importance of getting it down, simply shipping the work.

He referred to them as timestamps.

"Don't overthink it" he said.

"Just get the work down and out of your body and look at them like timestamps, moments in time to reflect on later in life."

He was right.

Creativity is for me, for you, for the creator.

I create because I need to. The things that are inside of me have to come out in order for me to feel sane.

But the ego, the perfectionist, finds a way to trap you.

"You can't say that"...

"You're not an authority"...

"That isn't politically correct"...

"That doesn't fit suit your brand"...

Round and round we go until we are frozen with indecision and fear.

Who didn't get to hear/read/listen/watch my work today because I chose not to create on account of fear?

I don't know.

But that is not the point.

The point is to do it because you don't know what else to do, because you don't have a choice.

Because you wouldn't be you without it.

They might listen, they might not, but at least you keep your sanity for one more day.

So, if you are putting something off, I ask you...

If not now, then when?

With gratitude,

Sav.

If you like my content and want more, there's 2 ways to go deeper:

1. ​Lil Gratitude Journal: My gratitude journal has been carefully designed for the busy modern-day creative/entrepreneur. It's efficient, effective and affordable (and makes for a great gift).
2. ​My podcast: All of my ideas and thoughts are usually turned into visual treats as well. Check out the full playlist of The Sav Show if you're more of a visual person and consider subscribing.