Morning—Clay here.
Welcome to Campfire Gentleman, where we focus on what matters most: family, purpose, growth, health, and simplicity—the Core Five that guide a meaningful life.

Last week, we talked about small daily actions and how they shape who we become.
This week, we’re shifting gears—because sometimes it’s not about what you’re doing…
It’s about when.

Most men don’t wait because they’re lazy.
They wait because they’re hoping for the right time.

But the truth? That time rarely shows up.

If you've been holding off on something important—waiting for just the right moment—this one’s for you.

Let’s dive in.

The Power of Early: Why Waiting Rarely Wins

You don’t need perfect timing. You need forward motion.

The best decisions I’ve made in my life?
Almost none of them came at the “right time.”

Marriage. Kids. Moving. Moving back. Starting Campfire Gentleman.
Every one of those could’ve waited.
I could have told myself that I needed to become more stable. Save more. Know more.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

Too early might feel risky. But too late shows up quickly and quietly—and takes more than it gives.

We like to think we’ll know when it’s time.
But most guys don’t make changes until they’re forced to.
And when that happens, you’re not in control anymore—you’re just reacting.

You’re not building.
❌ You’re scrambling.

You’re not choosing.
❌ You’re surviving.

You know you’re unhappy in your job.
You know there’s a better fit out there—something that gives you more life, more purpose.
You know you should be updating your resume.
You know you should be calling that friend.
You know you should be putting some feelers out.

⏰ But… not yet.

Not until after this project.
After vacation.
After the next quarter’s sales numbers.

And then one Tuesday morning, your boss calls you in.
Talks about “tightening belts” and “restructuring.”
By 11 AM, you’re in the parking lot with your stuff in a box—feeling the sting of every minute you waited.

At 8 AM, it felt too early.
By lunchtime, it was too late.

That’s how it happens.
We wait and wait... and then suddenly, we don’t get to choose anymore.

So what do we do?

We act before we have to.
✅ We start the workout before the doctor gives us a wake-up call.
✅ We have the hard conversation before we’re sleeping in the guest room.
✅ We update the resume and make the call before our boss beats us to it.

Because when it feels too early—that’s often exactly when it’s right.

🚨 The smartest decisions are made before they’re urgent.

You don’t need a complete reset.
Just one small move in the right direction—today.

🔥 Start now.
🔥 Not later.
🔥 Not when it’s safe.
🔥 Now.

Until next time—
keep the fires burning.
– Clay

P.S. Know someone who might be into this? Forward this email to a friend who’s trying to build a life that actually matters.
The more good men around the fire, the better. 🔥

Worth Your Time

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