Why “Perfect Timing” Is Just an Excuse
How many times have you told yourself, “I’ll start when the time is right”?
I used to think the same way. But here’s what I learned: that perfect moment you’re waiting for? It doesn’t exist.
Let me tell you my story.
From Coffee Student to Business Owner
Back in 2018, I enrolled in a coffee-making course at COFICO Vocational and Technical Training School. I loved everything about it—the smell of fresh beans, the art of brewing, the smile on people’s faces when they tasted a good cup.
For the next two years, I dreamed about opening my own coffee shop. I discussed it with friends, sketched ideas in my notebooks, and imagined what it would look like.
Then in 2021, I mentioned my plan to a former classmate.
His response? “You’re too young. You don’t have enough experience. Work in the industry for at least five to seven years first. Then you’ll really understand what it takes to run a business.”
He wasn’t wrong. I was young. I didn’t have much experience.
But I made a choice that changed everything.
I Didn’t Wait to Know Everything
I decided not to wait until I became an expert who knew every single detail. Instead, I created my own opportunity.
Why? Because waiting for 100% perfection is usually just fear wearing a disguise. And fear only makes you miss opportunities.
Think about it. In real life, when is everything exactly the way you want it? Almost never.
I didn’t have all the money I needed. I didn’t have years of experience. I didn’t have a foolproof plan.
But I started anyway.
The Truth About Getting Started
If you keep waiting until you have enough money, enough time, or enough skills, you might wait your entire life.
The best time to start is now—even if everything isn’t perfect.
Here’s why: You learn by doing, not by thinking.
You can’t learn to swim by standing on the beach and studying swimming theory. You have to get in the water.
My First Failure (And Why It Mattered)
I opened my first coffee shop in mid-2021.
By 2023, it had failed.
That hurt. I felt embarrassed. I questioned whether I’d made a huge mistake by not listening to my classmate’s advice.
But you know what? That failure taught me more than any course ever could.
I discovered that rent and electricity were eating 60% of my profit. I realized I was buying expensive ingredients that customers didn’t actually care about.
The Second Attempt: The Press Day Coffee
In mid-2023, I tried again.
This time, I named my shop The Press Day Coffee. I used everything I’d learned from failing. I adjusted my approach, corrected my mistakes, and began with greater wisdom.
Today, it’s still running. And it’s doing well.
Would the Press Day Coffee exist if I hadn’t dared to start in 2021? No.
Would I have learned those crucial lessons without failing in 2023? Definitely not.
As you can see in the photos, I didn’t wait until I could afford a big air-conditioned building. I utilized an outdoor space with gravel flooring and used camping-style chairs to create a relaxed vibe.
It wasn’t ‘perfect’ by luxury standards, but it was perfect for getting started. If I had waited until I could afford a full renovation, I would still be waiting today.
Time Passes Whether You Act or Not
Here’s something that keeps me motivated:
One year from now, you’ll either look back and think, “I’m so glad I started,” or you’ll regret it and say, “I wish I’d started a year ago.”
Time doesn’t wait for you to feel ready. It just keeps moving.
Starting something small today beats having an amazing plan tomorrow that never happens.
My Advice: Just Begin
Don’t let the word “wait” kill your dreams.
Start even when you’re scared. Start even when you don’t have everything you need. Perfection will come later, through practice and mistakes.
You don’t need to be an expert on day one. You just need to be brave enough to take the first step.
Your future self will thank you for starting today.
What’s one thing you’ve been waiting to start? Maybe today is the day to begin.
