Jump!
Have you ever watched Double Dutch? The player who is about to jump into the ropes must first create a cadence that mimics the rhythm of the ropes. They do this to ready themselves before jumping in. But what would happen if the player continued to stand on the sidelines, readying themselves, and never jumped in? That player would eventually lose his or her turn to jump. Let's liken this to your life. Are you sitting on the sidelines? Are you ready to jump in, but instead continue to mimic the rhythms of those around you? Are you choosing to be a "turner" because you are afraid to jump in and fail? Whatever your chosen method of hesitation, it will all be for naught if you don't get out there and try. If you don't take your turn and start working toward the positive goals you have always wished for, it will never happen. Eventually, it will be too late.
Of course, first, you must put some thought into what you are going to do. What skills do you have? These skills don't always have to come from a classroom. Are you gifted at organization? Do you have a craft? Are you a people person? Do you have on-the-job experience that you could put to work for yourself? Do you know anyone who is fiscally responsible that you could talk to and devise a plan? Get out of the hesitation trap by using what is in your hands.
Next, you have to take a risk. Yes, failure is possible, but if you don't make an attempt to get ahead, you will certainly never get ahead. Success doesn't happen by accident. And what if you do fail? You are sure to learn something new, and what you learn could be the key to your success. You have spent your entire life building your boss's future. Your long hours, dedication, and dependability have helped build his company. You have to see your own future as worth the investment and worth the risk.
Finally, after you have decided to take action, devised a plan, and assumed the risk, you must take a deep breath, and jump. Launch that small business. Purchase that investment property. Offer that program. Teach that course. Execute that plan to secure a solid future for yourself and your family. Once we know better, we can all do better.