Ever get tired of trying to get somewhere or achieve something only to realize that you’re missing out on now? It’s a constant balancing act to plan for the future while staying present in the moment. Perhaps a solution could be to set aside time to dream and plan for the near future, say one year out and for the distant future to keep the overall vision in focus. Setting timers to begin and end this task will help to snap from future planning back to reality.

Here are some thoughts on designing a life that is center around the present moment. First, try to truly understand what can and cannot be controlled in life. This foundation will reduce so much unnecessary stress and of course it’s easier said than applied, however, it is a practice worth implementing. One thing that can be controlled is how we react and how we pivot when faced with a roadblock. Mastering the “how-ing” and “pivoting” are vital in both personal and professional growth and can be attained by pausing before reacting or responding. If this poses too much of a struggle, try the old rubber band snap trick. Wear a rubber band around your wrist for twelve to twenty four days and every time the urge to respond arises, snap the rubber band against your wrist. Yes, it’s supposed to sting a bit and yes, you will look silly if you do this in public. Be as discrete as possible if you don’t want to raise eyebrows. It works, so try it.

Next, when in the present moment, start taking mental snapshots of the “scene” whether alone in nature or out with friends. These snapshots will become imbeded memories.

Take these thoughts and see how they fit into your daily life. Give it at least a month of continuous practice before abandoning ship. Good luck!

Photo by: Thought Catalog @thoughtcatalog

The opposite of fear is joy. Who wouldn’t want joy in their everyday lives? How much would a fearful person pay for clarity? Probably a lot. Here are 3 steps to creating clarity to achieve joy in your life.

Write down 5 things you are grateful for in your life.
Write your 3 favorite things to do; hobbies, activities, experiences (Things you would do for free and when time ceases to exist.)
What scares you most in life? (Choices you made, those you didn’t or ones you’re hesitating to make for any number of reasons/excuses.)

This exercise is to help you create/design your most joyous life. Itty bitty baby steps in the direction of your vision are perfectly fine. There are many ways to make shifts in your life, schedule and budget to softly accommodate the path toward your life filled with clarity and joy.

Everyone you’re putting ahead of pursuing your dreams because somehow their needs are more important than your happiness, will benefit greatly from your actions. Their “needs” are simply serving as an excuse for you not following through with your personal interests. This does not mean abandon all adult responsibilities and dependents while bankrupting yourself. The moment you realize that your desires matter, is the moment just before your first step toward your new life. Wouldn’t it be nice to be an example of what a purposeful life can be by following your passion and dreams?

A great book recommendation on this subject is “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. She explains how she has changed her relationship with fear by coexisting with it and tell it what to do. Her fear has to “sit in the backseat and cannot control the music.”

Present Tense

Your Fear Can Kill Your Dreams