Jim Elliot once said, "Wherever you are, be all there." So often, we fall into the habit of living in the past or the future. We over analyze decisions we previously made or cannot stop worrying about what lies ahead.
Here are 3 reasons why living in the present is so important:
1. Live now to appreciate the present
Do you ever find yourself saying, "Once I have this, I'll be happy?" It's a very common thought. We think our happiness lies in the future, but, in all honesty, once we have what we once coveted, we'll start saying "Once I have this, I'll be happy" all over again. Whenever this thought pops into mind, remind yourself of what you have right now. Be thankful for everything you have as well as your current situation. Appreciate your belongings, your career, and your loved ones. Try to ignore thoughts that attempt to disrupt your respect and appreciation for your life.
"I know that the purpose of life is to understand and be in the present moment with the people you love." - Jen Seymour
2. We all have different definitions for the word success.
Success is a funny word because there is no definition that can properly say what success really is. Success to one person may not be success to another. Plus, your definition of success now might be completely different from your past and future definitions of success. Stop stressing about success. Earl Nightingale once said, "Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal." What does this mean exactly? It means success is different for everyone, even past and future selves. Focusing on what success looks like to you now, in your present day, is more beneficial on trying to define what success will look like to your future self.
3. You'll be happier, more fulfilled, and more productive.
When you stop worrying about the future and stop placing so much stress on how to achieve success in the future, you'll feel relieved. Without all this worry, you'll be happier and happier with your life. You could even say you'll feel more fulfilled. Sometimes, focusing on the future so heavily can be debilitating. When you have so much to accomplish in the next 5 to 10 years, it can be hard to find a place to start. By focusing on the now, you'll be more productive in achieving your short-term goals because your energy won't be so spread apart.
Do you find it challenging to focus on the present and not on the past or the future?