Leading up to the shoot, I had a mental image of how it would be. I wanted to be healthy and well rested. I wanted perfect weather and a very flexible schedule. In reality, winter was on the way and the Badlands were about to be covered in snow. Photographer Jordan Morrison and I were limited to a two-hour window on the afternoon of Wednesday, December 8. If we didn't seize that opportunity, we would have to wait until spring for another chance.

I had trouble sleeping the night before, and woke up unusually early to speak to a local business group. I was tired, fighting a terrible sinus cold, and my right eye was puffed up from an allergic reaction. It was bitterly cold, and a fine drizzle made it difficult not to blink or squint. Still, it was now or never. Jordan was very gracious, made the whole experience a lot of fun, and shot some incredible photos. I'm glad that we pressed on despite the less-than-ideal conditions.

Do you know someone who is waiting for all the conditions to be perfect before starting a family, starting a new career, making that phone call, asking that difficult question, expanding their territory, taking that leap of faith? Is that someone you?