Time to Act

I have been feeling very much for the last few years that the time for mucking around is over - that if I want to do something now is the time to do it.
So I was particularly interested in a email I got this morning. “Speed is perpetually undervalued.  Asking that person out today means you get to live more of your life with them and less of your life waiting. Starting your business today means you begin learning immediately and have more time to figure out what works.  Go fast. The future is never guaranteed and the right time may never come.”
I am not one to peruse speed for speeds sake.  Doing something right is more important to me than just doing something.  But I do adhere to the above principle.
I have been sorting books for the last week or so.  One book that caught my attention was one called something like “The 10 Second Rule.”  I only read the cover but thought the idea had merit, and the book was one I wanted to come back to.  And I really admire someone who gave a reference knowing they have done amazing things.
The premise is a person generally has about 10 seconds too make up their mind to do something they are inclined to do.  It was when doing what is generally called “little acts of kindness and of love.”
This is not something I adhere to in making major life decisions. 
When I read the cover, my mind immediately went to an incident in a shopping centre.  I had to get medication.  Another lady did too.  I have never seen anyone as unsteady on their feet as this person.    Immediately I asked what assistance she would like and briefly pushed her trolley and made sure all was ok for her to do what she needed to do.  She was grateful for the help and went away knowing someone cared.
That was a good example.  Too often for me there have been examples of what the author contended happens if a person does not act immediately.  After 10 seconds I often talk myself out of something.  Something genuine.  Something needful.  But something I miss the opportunity to be a part of because of undue hesitance.  So often an opportunity to help presents itself and I miss it.  Not that I do not care, but because I am too self-conscious.
It is like clouds briefly parting and seeing the way things are.  Like most of us I imagine the desire is to appear like I have it all together.  That is a good thing when it is not at the expense of getting the help I need.
I will never get the help I need if others are never aware of my need.  Needs often briefly present themselves.  I generally have about 10 seconds to decide to be a part of the answer, rather than a part of the background problem.