If I were richer...
Have you ever started a sentence with these words?
Or maybe with something similar, like "if I were taller, smarter, stronger, funnier, faster or what else".
Perhaps you said things like "if I had this or that" or "if I were here or there".
I've probably used all of them more than once.
And in a way, whenever I used those sentences, I was telling the truth. Or sort of.
When an idea for something new I want to do or for something I want to change begins to burn inside me, I usually react in one of three ways.
The first reaction is to use an "if I were..." sentence. It is the best way to extinguish any flame before it becomes a fire. I just give up before even trying but to avoid the sense of guilt that comes with giving up, I use one of those sentences to make peace with myself. I truly wanted, but I couldn't, so it's ok.
Spoiler: it doesn't really work. The flame is still alive under the ash and just turns into disappointment and regret.
The second typical reaction I have when an idea emerges is to talk about it with others. It feels like doing it without really making an effort. It's satisfying in some ways, yet no sweat is required. Obviously, it works only in the short term or with ideas that are not worth pursuing. Somehow, it's also a good way to check how much I believe in something. Still, nothing really happens, and over time those unrealized ideas become a burden I carry around. Plus, the weight of knowing that I talked about it without doing anything increases the feeling of failure.
The third reaction is actually acting on the idea. Sometimes, I just roll up my sleeves and do the work. This is the only reaction that turns the flame into a fire and leads to something actual results.
I just don't do it as much as I would.
If only I had more willpower...