Tango Kilo Mike
Charitable Trust
Still Doing It: Why Waiting Is the Enemy of Progress
The above image is stark - white words on a black canvas. No embellishment. No excuses. Just truth.
It reminded me of a chapter in my own life.
After a near-death rock climbing accident that took nearly two years to recover from. I'd fallen over 5m, fracturing 3 vertebrae in my spine, resulting (still to this day) unable to feel parts of my right leg.
I was terrified of a future in a wheelchair, and everything that comes with being 'disabled'. I needed to find out just how far I my body would go, with these injuries. I started first to stand. Then walk. Then ride an exercycle. Then ride my bike. And so on.
I spent a further three years “training” to compete in an Ironman triathlon, believing if I could do the hardest race in the world, I was 'OK'.
I told my wife I wasn’t ready. I convinced myself I wasn’t ready. But every time I volunteered at an event, I’d come home buzzing - telling her how much I wanted to do one.
Still, I waited. For the perfect moment. For readiness. For certainty.
Then one day, she booked my ticket. No more waiting. No more rehearsing. I had to do it.
And I did. Not only did I finish - I smashed it. Sub 6-hour half-Ironman. Not perfect. Not polished. But powerful.
Because here’s the truth: Perfect conditions don’t exist. They’re a myth sold to us by fear, perfectionism, and a culture obsessed with polish over progress.
And procrastination? It’s not just a delay tactic. It’s a thief. It steals momentum, self-trust, and the chance to learn through doing. Even doing the wrong thing teaches us more than doing nothing.
So what’s the antidote? It’s deceptively simple:
Ask yourself, “What do I need to do, right now?” Not tomorrow. Not when you feel ready. Not when the stars align. Right now.
This practice - this micro-moment of honest action - is kryptonite to procrastination. It cuts through overwhelm. It builds self-efficacy. And when practiced collectively, it’s the foundation of great teamwork. Because teams thrive not when everyone’s perfect, but when everyone’s present. Responsive. Willing.
It’s also a powerful tool for mental health. When we act from the now, we reclaim agency. We shift from spiraling to scaffolding. From stuck to steady.
So if you’re tired, scared, broke, or alone - do it anyway. Do it messy. Do it imperfect. But do it.
Because the moment you think, “I need to do something,” is the perfect time.
And if that something is reaching out for support - whether you're stuck, scaling, or simply searching - there’s no better moment than now.
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The Tango Kilo Mike blog is a space for reflection, storytelling, and shared wisdom. We spotlight the voices of current and former members of the emergency and military services, along with their families, offering insights into leadership, resilience, mental health, and personal growth.
Whether it's a story of trauma turned into triumph, lessons learned on the front lines, or practical advice for navigating life after service, our blog is here to connect, uplift, and empower. Every post is written with mana—because every experience matters.
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Tango Kilo Mike Charitable Trust is a registered NZ Registered Charity: CC59166