It seems like every year the push to market Christmas starts earlier. I know my wife and I have had a couple discussions about the over zealousness of some to break out Christmas gear. I have it on good authority that the Christmas season starts in August next year.

In the world of retail, Christmas is the time to get in the black as people buy stuff like it’s going out of style … which it is. With the economy not zinging along as some would like, I can see why many retailers would be eager to stretch out the season. When the stores break out the tinsel early, the consumers naturally follow suit. Recently, Nordstrom hit the headlines when they proclaimed they wouldnot be decorating early for Christmas. They got a few pats on the back for their stance against the Christmas Creep.

I, for one, am all for Christmas cheer, but when it’s still a month out from Thanksgiving and the sleigh bells are jingle-ing. ring ting tingle-ing too, I do have some objection. Now, that it’s a week from Turkey Day, I’m ok with decking the halls. I’m sure you are relieved that I have given you the yuletide go ahead. Waiting for Christmas is a time honored tradition in America, but in today’s instantaneous society, we rarely wait for anything.

Good things come to those who wait. That’s a great phrase of truth. I give you permission to use it. The seemingly early entrance of Christmas season, has reminded me that everything has it’s right time. Pushing something into reality before the timing is right can be disastrous. Just ask Netflix. One of the problems they created in their recent change of service fiasco, was the idea that more and more people would be using the streaming service as opposed to their DVD service in the future. That is a safe assumption but not only was the idea of how to do it questionable but the timing was not right. Consumers were not ready for major changes. This lead to many subscribers leaving and stock prices falling.

As Tom Petty sang, waiting is the hardest part. This goes for all aspects of life, whether it is waiting for Christmas or waiting for the right business opportunity. Sure, there is always the need for working hard, taking risks and making things happen, but that should be balanced with the wisdom of waiting.

There’s a sweet spot for taking action. One good month of celebrating Christmas is about right. Once December 25th has past the celebrating is not quite the same. A week after is the New Year, a symbolic time to move on. Throw out the tree, put up the decorations and start that diet … again. So, we must wait the appropriate amount of time. Waiting too long to take action can lead to millions of disappointed basketball fans. Wait, what … no NBA!?!?

Somethings you can never wait to do or say. Tell your family and friends that you love them. Show your co-workers you appreciate them. The perfect time to do something good is now. In all other matters, wait for it … wait for it … wait for it …

This is pure conjecture on my part, but I think I’m right. LeBron James may have been the most hyped athlete in the history of mankind. Everybody knew what he was destined to do years before he did anything of significance. Physically gifted like no other basketball player, James was made to play. I’m curious, though, if he lays awake a night and wonders what if. What if he did what he wanted to do?

Last night James dropped a real stinker in game four of the NBA finals. By far, it was his worst performance in his 99 playoff games. There has been other no show moments for LeBron like game five of the Boston series last year. Earlier this week he was asked by a reporter if he was shrinking under the pressure. James understandably bristled at the question. But the question remains, why the bad performances on the big stage?

Maybe he is doing what he is passionate about it. There are telltale signs that he is not, though. Moving to Miami to take some of the “heat” off of winning by himself; (pun intended) talking about building an empire and the aforementioned lack of execution in the most important moments at times.

In our careers and in our life, if we spend the majority of time doing something we are not passionate about it will show at some point. You may be good at your job, but if it is not your passion something is going to suffer. Your company, your family, your friends, your dreams and most of all, you.

It may not be feasible for you to drop everything to pursue your passion at this moment, but there has got to be an outlet for it. Not only that, but a plan to implement how you can transition your life to reflect that passion. Take some real, actionable steps to make your dreams come true.

Passion cannot be counterfeit. It comes out of who we are and what we were created for. Manufacturing desire for something that is simply a job or a task will not last. This does not mean that we should not put our best effort into things that we do not love to do. Being able to exist at the passionate level includes a lot of tedious and even boring moments that are essential.

Take time to examine who you are and what you love to do. Are you able to participate in opportunities that not only fulfill your dreams but also fulfill other people? My Granny Rowan always used to tell me, “Whatever you do make sure it helps other people.” Words to live by. When we reach beyond ourselves to positively impact the world around us we will be fulfilled.

I’m not rooting for LeBron to win the NBA championship. (It’s personal. Da Bulls.) I am rooting for him to find his true passion. I’m rooting for you, too.