Someday Is Today: 22 Simple, Actionable Ways to Propel Your Creative Life Introduction: The Wake-Up Call I never thought I'd be grateful for a gun pointed at my face. But that moment, kneeling on the greasy floor of a McDonald's at 22 years old, changed everything. As I stared down the barrel, I wasn't afraid of dying. I was consumed by regret - regret for all the things I hadn't done, all the dreams I'd put off until "someday." That night, I made a promise to myself: No more waiting. No more excuses. Someday is today. In the years since, I've become a bestselling author, award-winning teacher, championship storyteller, and successful entrepreneur. But more importantly, I've learned how to make the most of every minute, to turn dreams into reality, and to live a life without regrets. This book is my roadmap for how you can do the same. These are the strategies that helped me go from broke and hopeless to living my wildest dreams. They can work for you too - starting right now. Part 1: Reframe Your Relationship with Time We all have the same 24 hours in a day. The difference is how we use them. Most people think in terms of hours or days. I've learned to think in minutes - because minutes matter. Remember: There are 1,440 minutes in every day. That's 1,440 opportunities to make progress on your goals, to create something meaningful, to move closer to your dreams. I once met an aspiring writer at a coffee shop. She was 7 minutes late and apologized profusely. I told her not to worry - I'd used those 7 minutes to write three sentences of my novel. She was shocked. "You can write that fast?" The truth is, I can't afford not to. Those stolen moments add up. Three sentences became three paragraphs, became three pages, became a finished book. All from minutes that most people would have wasted scrolling on their phones. Start viewing every minute as an opportunity. Five minutes before a meeting? That's enough time to outline your next project. Ten minutes waiting for an appointment? Perfect for brainstorming ideas. Even one minute can be productive if you use it intentionally. The key is to always be ready. I keep a small notebook with me at all times. When an idea strikes or I find an unexpected pocket of time, I'm prepared to capture it. You might prefer a notes app on your phone or a voice recorder. The tool doesn't matter - what matters is that you're always ready to make the most of every minute. Part 2: Embrace Imperfection and Just Start One of the biggest obstacles to achieving our dreams is the belief that conditions need to be perfect before we can begin. We tell ourselves we'll start writing that book when we have a beautiful office, or we'll launch that business when we have more experience. But here's the truth: Perfection is the enemy of progress. I wrote my first novel in the parking lot of my daughter's dance studio, typing furiously on a laptop balanced on the steering wheel. It wasn't glamorous, but it got the job done. The book that came out of those stolen moments in my car went on to become a bestseller. The secret is to make terrible things. Yes, you read that right. Give yourself permission to create garbage. The first draft of anything is rarely good, but you can't improve what doesn't exist. I have a rule: I write 1,000 words every day, no matter what. Some days those words flow easily and I feel like a genius. Other days, it's a struggle to string two coherent sentences together. But I write them anyway, because I know I can always revise later. What I can't do is edit a blank page. This applies to any creative pursuit. If you want to start a podcast, record a terrible first episode. If you dream of being a painter, make some awful paintings. The act of doing, even if the results are initially disappointing, builds momentum and skills that will lead to better work. Remember: Done is better than perfect. Start now, with whatever tools and time you have available. You can always improve as you go. Part 3: Harness the Power of "Yes" Many of us are conditioned to say "no" to opportunities that seem risky or outside our comfort zone. But some of the best things in my life have come from saying "yes" to unexpected invitations. I never planned to be a wedding DJ, but when a friend asked if I could help out at his reception, I said yes. That single gig turned into a thriving side business that not only provided extra income but taught me valuable skills in public speaking and reading a crowd. Similarly, I had no intention of writing musicals. But when a local theater group asked if I'd be interested in collaborating, I said yes. That project pushed me creatively in ways I never expected and opened up a whole new world of storytelling. The key is to approach new opportunities with an open mind. You don't have to commit to something forever, but giving it a try might lead to unexpected passions or skills. Of course, this doesn't mean saying yes to everything. Time is our most precious resource, and we need to be selective. But when an opportunity aligns with your values or sparks your curiosity, lean towards yes. I use a simple rule: If I'm not sure about an opportunity, I say yes and give it three days. If after three days I'm still not excited about it, I can back out. This gives me time to overcome initial hesitation without overcommitting. Remember: While the destination of a "yes" may be uncertain, a "no" almost always leads nowhere. Be open to the unexpected - it might just change your life. Part 4: Build Your Support System No one achieves their dreams alone. We all need cheerleaders, mentors, and collaborators. But finding and nurturing those relationships takes intentional effort. Start by identifying your "idea people" - those friends or colleagues who energize you and spark creativity. Make a point to spend more time with them, even if it's just a quick coffee or phone call. Next, seek out mentors in your field. Don't be afraid to reach out to people you admire. Many successful people are happy to offer advice or guidance, especially if you approach them with specific, thoughtful questions. But support isn't just about what others can do for you. Be generous with your own time and knowledge. Offer help to others working towards similar goals. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it often leads to unexpected opportunities and collaborations. One of the most powerful tools I've found is creating a "compliment folder." Whenever I receive a meaningful piece of praise or encouragement, I save it. On tough days when self-doubt creeps in, I can revisit those words of support and remember why I started this journey. Remember: Surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams, even (especially) when you're struggling to believe in them yourself. Part 5: Embrace the Long Game Success rarely happens overnight. The key is to stay focused on your long-term vision, even when progress feels slow. I use a technique I call the "100-year-old self." When faced with a difficult decision, I imagine my 100-year-old self looking back on this moment. What would they advise? What would they regret not doing? This perspective helps cut through short-term fears and excuses. It reminds me to prioritize experiences and growth over temporary comfort. Another powerful tool is to celebrate small wins along the way. Set milestones for your projects and plan rewards in advance. Tell at least three people about each goal, creating both accountability and a cheering section. Remember: Every big dream is achieved through a series of small, consistent actions. Trust the process and keep moving forward, one step at a time. Conclusion: Your Someday Starts Now You have dreams. You have goals. And you have everything you need to start pursuing them right now. Don't wait for perfect conditions or for someone to give you permission. Your someday is today. Start with just five minutes. Write one paragraph. Make one phone call. Take one small step towards your goal. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. But you have to take that step. No one else can do it for you. So close this book, put down your phone, and go do something - anything - to move closer to your dreams. The world is waiting for your unique gifts and talents. Don't keep us waiting any longer. Your someday starts now. What will you do with it?

Here are key insights from "Someday Is Today" by Matthew Dicks: ## Reframe Your Relationship with Time - Every minute is an opportunity for progress - Think in terms of minutes rather than hours or days - Always be prepared to capture ideas or work in small pockets of time ## Embrace Imperfection and Just Start - Perfection is the enemy of progress - Give yourself permission to create "terrible" first drafts - Consistency (e.g. writing 1,000 words daily) matters more than quality initially ## Harness the Power of "Yes" - Saying yes to unexpected opportunities can lead to new passions and skills - Use the "three-day rule" to overcome initial hesitation without overcommitting ## Build Your Support System - Identify and spend time with "idea people" who energize you - Seek out mentors and be generous with your own knowledge - Create a "compliment folder" to combat self-doubt ## Embrace the Long Game - Use the "100-year-old self" perspective for decision-making - Celebrate small wins and set milestones - Remember that big dreams are achieved through consistent small actions ## Start Now - Don't wait for perfect conditions or permission - Begin with just five minutes of action towards your goal - Take the first step, no matter how small