You're Running Out of Somedays

A reflection on time, mortality, and why “someday” is a dangerous illusion

If you're going to read one thing this week, make it this.

The word "someday" might be the most dangerous word in any language.

Not because it represents evil or harm, but because it represents the slow erosion of human potential. It's the word we use to build elaborate prisons for our dreams, complete with the illusion that we hold the keys.

Consider how often you've said it:

• "Someday I'll write that book."

• "Someday I'll travel to Japan."

• "Someday I'll have that difficult conversation."

• "Someday I'll learn to paint."

Each utterance feels like a promise to yourself, a commitment to future action. But examine the pattern more closely. Someday is where ambitions go to die a slow, comfortable death.

The ancient Romans understood something about time that we've forgotten. They carved "Memento Mori" into their buildings, wore rings engraved with skulls, commissioned paintings of wilting flowers and burning candles. They were calculating with the most precise currency that exists: the remaining…