Later

Later

One day in the early 1950s, Walt Disney invited his friend Art Linkletter to take a drive with him. Linkletter was already one of the best-known broadcasters in America. His radio and television programs had made him a household name. He was also a successful producer and businessman. On this day, Walt wanted to show his friend his vision.

They drove south from Los Angeles toward Anaheim. Back in that day, it was farmland, particularly orange groves. Linkletter wondered “why is he taking me down here?”

When they stopped and got out of the car, Walt began describing what he intended to build on that land. He would build an amusement park unlike any park in the world. Walt said he could afford to build Disneyland, but it would take everything he had. He encouraged Art to buy some of the surrounding acreage because he predicted that within five years its value would increase several hundred times.

Linkletter remained skeptical and explained money was a little tight so perhaps he would investigate buying some property later. Walt’s response was simple and prophetic: “Later will be too late.”

Linkletter did not buy the land. On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened and Art Linkletter was one of the principal hosts of the live television broadcast introducing Disneyland to America. Walt was right about the opportunity that Art had missed. If he had taken advantage of it he could have made millions.

Many times, there is risk in the word “later.” Many of us say it casually not realizing its significance.

Later, I’ll start the business.

Later, I’ll get serious about my health.

Later, I’ll take that trip.

Later, I’ll call my old friend.

Later, I’ll spend more time with my children.

Later, I’ll tell someone how much they mean to me.

Later, when things settle down.

Later, when the timing is better.

Later.

It may be one of the most comforting words in the English language. Because later allows us to believe we have made a decision without making one. We haven’t said no, we have simply postponed our yes and that makes us feel safe.

The problem is some opportunities have expiration dates. Doors close. Markets fluctuate. People move. Children grow up. Parents grow old. Health deteriorates. Circumstances change. And sometimes the price of waiting is far greater than the price of acting.

What are you putting off? What do you need to begin this week? What decision have you been avoiding? What dream have you been carrying in your heart for years? What conversation do you need to have? What moral stand do you need to take? What beginning are you ready to make? What ending is it time to embrace?

Some things cannot wait; you need to begin now. Because sometimes the difference between an opportunity seized and an opportunity remembered is one deceptively comfortable word: Later.

And sometimes, later will be too late.