An elderly neighbor of mine who is an avid gardener is fond of saying, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is today.”

Another saying I recently came across is “People commonly overestimate how far they can get in a year, but grossly underestimate how far they can get in five years.”

These two concepts apply perfectly to any endeavor we’re involved in.

Is it possible to become a working Hollywood actor in one year? Maybe for a few. What about five years? A lot more likely.

Is it possible to create a dream career in one year that will replace or exceed your current income? Possibly. In five years? Absolutely.

Is it possible to become a bestselling author in one year? It has for some people. In five years can you write and self-publish a dozen titles? Just ask Amazon sensation J.A. Konrath.

Is it possible to earn a bachelors degree in one year? Doubtful. In five years? Easy.

Is it possible to healthily lose 100 pounds in one year? Actually, yes. That’s only 2 pounds a week. Can you modify your lifestyle over five years to ensure it stays off?

Well, you get the point…

The Power of Compounding Action is a beautiful thing. Like the interest on your retirement account, each little gain you make amplifies the ones before. Before too long, your collective small actions will roll downhill growing into a thundering snowball of accomplishment.

And then everyone will marvel at your overnight success.

Your time starts now.