Don't Wait.
Nov 21, 2025
Written By Bart Berkey | Most People Don't
Six years ago, I finally gathered the courage to face a fear that had lived inside me for four decades.
I had avoided anesthesia, hospitals, and surgery after a traumatic childhood experience from a severely deviated septum caused by broken nose during a sports injury.
For 40 years, I chose discomfort over the terror of losing control.
But one morning, I finally said enough.
I’m facing my fear.
I did research, selected a top surgeon and scheduled the procedure.
It was a smooth routine procedure in a surgery center.
I was in recovery, comfortably resting.
A Doctor came in to check on me in the recovery room.
All was well!
He told my wife, “Bring the car around. Bart is ready to go home.”
Except, I wasn’t.
At that exact moment, in the recovery room, I had a heart attack.
I was in the right place at the right moment, and the right people saved my life.
Responding quickly, the team and my wife took action.
I was transported by ambulance to the best hospital in the area and was treated for a heart attack.
I never imagined that routine nose surgery would turn into a life-or-death moment.
But it did.
I spent several days in the ICU. During those days, I made a decision I will never forget:
I would no longer wait.
Don't Wait to say, "you're amazing".
Don't Wait for the “right moment.”
Don't Wait for perfect timing.
Don't Wait for someone else to tell you it’s okay.
Six years ago was:
- my last drink of alcohol
- my last bite of beef or pork
- my first day of living differently, intentionally
- and my commitment to live better for myself and for everyone who matters
Most People take things for granted when they come naturally.
Most People take things for granted when they come easily.
Most People take things for granted when they have always been a certain way.
Your paycheck
Your relationship
Your lifestyle
Your Finances
Your health
Your safety
Your next breath
But what happens when any of these are taken away from you, even briefly?
Everything changes.
Perspective sharpens.
Values are questioned.
Life becomes different.
Consequences are real.
Decisions are different.
Sometimes it takes a life-changing moment
to create a life-enhancing experience.
Studies show that after life-threatening health events, many people experience a surge in gratitude and a new commitment to living on purpose. It’s called ‘post-traumatic growth,’ and it’s real.
That’s what happened to me.
And it taught me something simple, urgent, and true:
Don’t wait.
Don’t wait to say “I love you.”
Don’t wait to write the Gracenote.
Don’t wait to send the text.
Don’t wait to forgive.
Don’t wait to hug someone a beat longer.
Don’t wait to call the person you’ve been “meaning” to call.
Sometimes, during presentations, I make a point by surprising the audience with a giant, unexpected blue screen of death.
Do you know that moment when your computer crashes without warning.
The audience always gasps.
Because we know it
We feel it
We’ve lived it
Most People Don't know when a crash is coming.
My suggestion is, ask yourself important questions while you still have the ability to make changes.
Small Regrets Compound
Did you realize that waiting is actually a form of procrastination? You may be an achiever or over-achiever.
Waiting can cause you to become uneasy, disgruntled, event agitated.
Research on procrastination highlights how delaying even tiny acts, like reaching out to someone or forgiving, creates stress and lost connection.
I have such gratitude for the work that I am doing, and the people that I have been able to help. It was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
Don't Wait. I encourage you.
Love as deeply as you can while your heart still beats.
Remember as much as you can while your memory still cooperates.
Serve while you still have the privilege to serve.
Give while you still have something to give.
And please, from someone who almost ran out of tomorrows:
Don’t wait.
Your future self, and the people who depend on you will thank you for acting today.
—Bart
For More Inspiration:
🎧 Listen to This Week’s Podcast Episodes:
For All The Marbles, In Partnership with Marblism
Live with Greater Impact.
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