Read time: 4 minutes
The holiday decorations have come down, and January is here again. It’s a time when resolutions are made and starting fresh is top of mind. For many, the idea of starting fresh means opportunity.
Fast forward to January 2027. You’re sitting in the same spot. What does your life look like?
Are you working the same job?
Are you facing the same financial struggles?
And most importantly...When someone asks about your education, do you still feel that same twinge of regret or embarrassment?
Here’s a truth about life: Time is going to pass either way.
The next twelve months are going to fly by just as fast as the last twelve did. The clock doesn't stop because we’re hesitant or busy. The question isn't whether the time will pass, but how it will pass.
Will you spend 2026 waiting for the "perfect moment" that never arrives? Or will you spend it building the foundation for the rest of your life?
The Problem with Thinking "One day"
So often, we tell ourselves we’ll get to something “one day...” One day I’ll get in shape. One day I’ll apply for a better job. One day, I’ll finish my high school diploma.
Putting things in the "One day" category feels right when the circumstances are perfect. But "One day" is a problem when it becomes an excuse to keep doing the same things.
We often convince ourselves that we are waiting for the right time to strike. We think one morning we’ll wake up and the conditions will be better. You will have more time, fewer responsibilities, or more motivation. But life rarely works like that; you need to take the first step before anything good can happen.
Taking the first step and moving forward helps you build momentum. With momentum, once you’re in motion, you’re likely to keep going.
However, momentum is usually the result of action, not its cause. You have to start moving first, even when you don't want to. Once you take that first step and see a little progress, the motivation follows.
Waiting for "one day" ensures that "today" always looks the same.
The Truth Behind Procrastination
Many times, the reasons why we put things off are not what we think. If you’ve been putting off returning to school, it’s likely not because you’re lazy. It’s usually because of fear.
Fear #1: "I'm too old for this. I should have finished years ago."
There is no expiration date on education. The traditional path—finishing high school at age 18—works for many people, but it doesn't work for everyone. Life happens. Trauma, family responsibilities, health issues, or needing to work to survive can derail that traditional timeline. That doesn't mean you failed; it means your path looks different. Your age isn't a deficit; it’s a life experience that you bring to your studies now.
Fear #2: "I'm so far behind, I'll never catch up."
Behind whom? You are only in competition with who you were yesterday. At Smart Schools, we don’t look at how many credits you don't have. We review the credits you do have and build a roadmap from there. You aren't starting from scratch; you are picking up where you left off, this time with better support.
Think "Day One"
How do you move from fear to positive action? You need to swap "One Day" for "Day One."
A "Day One" mentality means you stop defining yourself by what you didn't achieve in the past and see yourself differently. What happened in high school five or ten years ago doesn't matter anymore. What you start today is what matters.
When you enroll at Smart Schools and start your first assignment, it’s a new day. You will experience a judgment-free zone designed specifically for people who need flexibility, mentorship, and a second chance.
We don't care why you didn't finish before. We only care that you want to finish now.
Don’t Let 2026 Be Another "One Day"
There is an old Chinese proverb that says, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
The best time to finish your high school diploma might have been when you were a teenager. But that time is gone. The second-best time is right now, today, in January of 2026.
Don't arrive in January 2027 with the same regrets you have today. Don't look back a year from now and wish you had started.
2026 can be the year you stop waiting and start doing. Make this the year you finally cross the finish line. Your future self is begging you to take that first step.
How to Get Started
Ready to earn your high school diploma? Find out how Smart Schools can help you accomplish your goal and learn more about our free tutoring, academic advising, and flexible learning options. You can achieve your dreams and build a brighter future with the proper support.