Poet and novelist Charles Bukowski had a unique ability to distill the human experience into raw, unapologetic truth. One of his most profound reflections is captured in the line:
“I was waiting for something extraordinary to happen but as the years wasted on nothing ever did unless I caused it.”
This statement is more than just a personal confession—it’s a powerful reminder about the nature of life, action, and responsibility. It speaks to the universal struggle of waiting for change while failing to recognize that the extraordinary is something we create, not something that simply happens to us.
Let’s explore the meaning behind Bukowski’s words, what they teach us about agency and purpose, and how we can apply this philosophy to forge our own reality.
The Illusion of “Waiting” for Life to Happen
Bukowski’s words reflect a common human tendency: waiting for life to unfold in spectacular ways while remaining passive. We often fall into the trap of believing that:
- Opportunities will come naturally.
- Success will happen when the time is right.
- Happiness is something we will “find.”
This mindset places life’s most meaningful outcomes in the hands of fate, luck, or external forces. But as Bukowski realized, waiting is a form of self-sabotage. The years pass while nothing changes—because change requires action.
The Reality of Inaction
- Missed Opportunities: Waiting causes us to overlook or delay seizing the opportunities already within reach.
- Stagnation: Without intentional effort, personal growth, success, and even relationships remain stagnant.
- Regret: Wasted years often result in a painful sense of regret for not taking control sooner.
The Power of Causing the Extraordinary
Bukowski’s realization that “nothing ever did unless I caused it” emphasizes the importance of taking initiative. The extraordinary isn’t something we stumble upon—it’s something we create through consistent action, even when life feels uncertain or uninspiring.
Creating Extraordinary Moments
- Act with Intention: Great achievements start with small, purposeful actions.
- Take Risks: The extraordinary often lies outside your comfort zone.
- Be Proactive: Pursue your dreams, rather than waiting for them to materialize.
- Create Meaning: Find meaning in the everyday by approaching life with curiosity and passion.
Examples of “Causing” the Extraordinary
- Career Success: Waiting for a promotion can keep you stuck, while actively pursuing professional development leads to growth.
- Personal Development: Hoping to become better doesn’t work—you need to take steps like reading, learning new skills, or seeking mentorship.
- Relationships: Meaningful relationships aren’t built by chance but through intentional communication and mutual effort.
- Creative Pursuits: Writers like Bukowski didn’t wait for inspiration—they wrote relentlessly, allowing extraordinary works to emerge through persistence.
Turning Waiting into Action: Practical Steps
How can we apply Bukowski’s insight and start creating extraordinary experiences in our own lives?
1. Set Clear Intentions
Decide what you want from life, whether it’s personal fulfillment, career growth, or deeper relationships. Be specific and create a vision that inspires action.
Example: Instead of waiting to feel “motivated” to pursue a hobby, commit to a schedule that builds consistency.
2. Embrace the Imperfect Start
Many people wait for the “perfect moment,” but perfection is an illusion. Start where you are, with what you have, and adjust along the way.
Example: Want to start a business? Begin with a small project or side hustle, even if it’s imperfect at first.
3. Take Consistent Action
Extraordinary outcomes result from ordinary actions done consistently. Set small, achievable goals that build toward larger accomplishments.
Example: Write 500 words a day instead of waiting for “the perfect story idea.”
4. Take Responsibility for Your Life
Bukowski’s quote is ultimately about personal accountability. No one else can live your life for you. Accepting this truth is both empowering and freeing.
Example: If you’re unhappy with a particular aspect of your life, ask yourself, “What action can I take today to change this?”
5. Redefine “Extraordinary”
Not all extraordinary moments come from grand achievements. Small moments of joy, connection, and creativity can be just as meaningful when approached with intention and appreciation.
Example: Reach out to an old friend, take a walk in nature, or create something meaningful—even if only for yourself.
Living Bukowski’s Lesson
Bukowski’s realization wasn’t about abandoning hope—it was about abandoning passivity. Life rewards those who actively shape their reality rather than waiting for life to “happen.” Every day presents a new opportunity to cause something extraordinary, no matter how small.
We have the power to create meaningful moments, pursue our passions, and rewrite our stories. The extraordinary isn’t a stroke of luck or a gift from the universe—it’s the result of intentional effort, courage, and the willingness to act, even in the face of uncertainty.
So, stop waiting. Start causing. The next chapter of your life is unwritten, and the pen is in your hands.
