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Are You Waiting or Creating?

Are You Waiting or Creating?

Welcome to NEXTletter, your personal 121 (One To One) with your future - 1 question, 2 perspectives, 1 experiment.

Frederik Pferdt
November 22, 2024

“The future isn’t something we predict; it’s something we create through the choices we make today.”

Frederik G. Pferdt

If you prefer to listen 📻 to this NEXTletter, click here.

Here are the previous NextLetters 📧 you might want to read if you haven’t already: First Days of School, How Angst Can Shape Your Future, 1-2-1 With Your Future.

“I was on tour in Germany for the past two weeks, and I couldn’t help but notice how unsettled things felt.

The government was falling apart, and in most of my conversations, people mentioned they were waiting—waiting for the new government to take action, to bring change, to fix things. It struck me how often we fall into this pattern of waiting. Many of us wait—for politicians, colleagues, or even loved ones—to shape the future on our behalf.

But what if waiting isn’t the answer? What if the future doesn’t come to those who wait but is built by those who dare to act? Today, let’s explore how stepping into action, even when the path feels uncertain, can help you shape the future you envision.”

ONE QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF

"What’s one decision I’ve been waiting for someone else to make? What if I made it today?"

You

Take a moment to reflect: What’s holding you back? A perfect moment? A green light from someone else? The future doesn’t wait—it begins with what you choose to do right now.

TWO PERSPECTIVES TO CONSIDER

Bob Marley didn’t wait for circumstances to define his future. Faced with a terminal diagnosis, he wrote “Redemption Song,” a call to action that urged people to “emancipate yourselves from mental slavery.” Marley’s decision to create instead of retreat remains a powerful reminder: Even in moments of uncertainty, we have the power to act and inspire change.

"None but ourselves can free our minds." – Bob Marley

After an almost fatal traffic accident that was caused by someone else, my friend Flo didn't dwell on hatred for the other party in the accident. He imagined what would best heal his body, what would be the best role model for his children, and what would fill his future with happiness. Even in the moment of greatest hurt, we have the power to set ourselves free for the future.

"I need all my energy for healing &
the future" — Flo

You can also hear Flo's story ☝🏽 here in the podcast at this year's Ada Lovelace Festival. Photo credit: Julian Huke

ONE EXPERIMENT - FOR TODAY, NOT SOME DAY

Here’s how to take action today:

Identify Something You’re Waiting For
Think about one area of your life—career, relationships, or a personal project—where you’ve been waiting for the right time or someone else’s decision.
Name One Bold Step
Ask yourself: What’s one small but bold action I can take to move this forward? It could be starting a draft of your business plan, scheduling that overdue conversation, or saying yes to an opportunity that feels just outside your comfort zone.
Act Today
Take that step. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be yours.