Before you read this, be ready to write something down. It won't be long (you could probably do it in your URL, just don't hit enter).
Take a second to think about one thing that, if you had it, would make you much happier… … … got it?
Okay, that was a trick... ;) Depending on how easily that one thing came to you, you might have more or less work to do. And even if one thing doesn’t come to you, you can still hold a lot of value and self esteem from what the future may bring (something I'm observing in myself). So, if something came really quickly to mind, it is likely that you spend a fair bit of time thinking about the future, either planning or hoping (I do both).
I was talking with some old co-workers today and we were discussing how people (referring to ourselves) spend a lot of time and mental energy in the future and/or in the past. I look into the future at what would awesome to do/have/etc. This also happens quite often when I’m late to go somewhere and my whole existence till I get to that place seems to be stuck in the future at “OMG I’m going to be late!!1!.” Some people look at the past, remembering accomplishments and good times. These habits aren’t necessarily bad, but they can overwhelm our reality with an abundance of dreaming and reliving, leaving little energy and time to live in and enjoy the present. So, if you spend a lot of time looking into the future for what it brings, stop yourself, bring your mind to the present and enjoy what is happening now, however insignificant.
We are all more productive, friendly, caring, and better to ourselves when we are having fun, so take what you have right now and enjoy it. This is not to say that you can’t plan for the future or think back with friends to good times, but catch yourself when you have an “if only ____” thought (if only I had ___ or I was back in ___ ) and focus on the now. Join me in trying to have a good balance of the three aspects with an intention to enjoy the present more and let me know your thoughts, ideas, tips, or how it is working out with you.
Additional Notes:
I mentioned this briefly earlier, but I would like to elaborate as I feel it is an important point. If you draw confidence from your past accomplishments or from the potential you see in your future, developing the ability to live in the moment and take it as it is will help grow your capacity to draw confidence form the present. I notice myself taking nearly all my confidence from my past and, perhaps more so, the future- so this is something I will be conscious of and may right a follow up article on in the future.
As usual, feel free to share thoughts and to challenge the ideas I presented in this article.
Cheers,
Eric
