Whenever we hear someone say it’s too late, we mostly think of the fact that some misfortune is bound to happen sooner or later and that nothing can be done about it. True as this may be, I believe that when applied rightly, the sentence “it’s too late” can free us from so much stress and worries.
Let us consider this scenario;
You got the opportunity to attend an interview for consideration for an international assignment. That has been your dream for so many years and someway somehow, the opportunity has presented itself. You got thrilled at the turn of events and you immediately started preparing for the big day. You learned some new words and expressions in an attempt to impress your examiners and also conducted some research to provide accurate answers to questions you’ve anticipated. Finally, the day for the interview came. Being your big day, you woke up very early, spending adequate time to look your best. You know what they say, first impression if it doesn’t really impress might be the last.
Your name was mentioned and you took some sort of hurried steps into the room where your examiners were. At the sight of them, you felt a little uneasy and you began fumbling with even the simplest introductory questions. Then the big one came; you began doubting your preparedness for the interview and if you have what it takes to win them over. You even began wondering if there’s something wrong with your appearance. Let’s say on your way to the interview room, everyone you saw was in suit and tie but you’re not in either. At this moment I bet you’ll want the earth beneath you to break open and swallow you up to avoid further embarrassment.
It is normal for anyone to feel uneasy in front of their interviewers, but when you go ahead to begin questioning and doubting your readiness or your appearance, then you’ve gone too far. We need to realize that once the big day comes, it is too late to entertain worries and doubts. Just give it your best shot and walk away honourably. If you make any mistake or blunder, learn from it and come back the next time. It’s as simple as that!
The story of Esther in the Bible speaks volumes about this (Esther 4). When Esther was about going to the king, she knew the gravity of the situation, the stakes were high- it would cost her very life. However, when she came before the King Xerxes, she realized it was too late for her to consider “what if he doesn’t want me to appear before him?” Instead, she focused on the reason why she wanted to see the King and with great calm, pursued it.
Many times, the reason for our poor performance is not the lack of preparation but rather worries, fears and anxieties in spite of our preparations. To these, we must learn to say it is too late.
Restpiration 