The Future Will Always Be There. The Present Is Fleeting.

Don’t lose sight of the present

There’s always something more to do. There’s always another meeting, another call, another checkmark on your to-do list. Before you is the looming presence of the future you’re striving for, but there’s wisdom in the words uttered by Ralph Waldo Emerson “Life is a journey, not a destination.” It’s easy to focus so much on where we want to be that we forget to live our present. We put living off until we’ve reached that goal, but that’s not truly living. Being driven is good. Being fanatical isn’t.

Being shocked awake

Most people don’t realize what they have until they lose it. This isn’t the loss of keys or money, but the deeper, soul-wrenching loss that distorts our entire life. Sadly, most people don’t stop to smell the roses until they’ve experienced that kind of loss and they realize that monumental change can happen at any moment.

Little moments in our lives make up the tapestry of greatness. A full life isn’t only about achievement, it’s about actually living those little moments. Putting the phone away, ignoring the influx of emails, and taking time to enjoy those people and things around us that truly enrich our lives.

If we sit back and consider why we’re doing what we’re doing, we often get an answer as to what’s important to us. We’re doing this so our children have a better life, or so that our parents will be proud of us, or that we can provide for our families. It’s not the ultimate goal that enriches our lives, but the people already in our lives that we should be appreciating daily.

Appreciation goes beyond words. Real appreciation costs time. Appreciation means remembering events that are important to others. It’s showing up, being present, and making it count. It means nothing more than being there when those that matter most need you there. It is the least expensive thing you can provide that has the most value.

Live fuller and live with meaning

Being present and showing appreciation doesn’t mean you need to ignore your business. On the contrary, we need both to make a full life. We need achievement and we need connection. Life is about giving and receiving. Our livelihoods come from what we do, and what we get from that action. Our legacy is what we give back, what we put out there into the world and how we live.

There’s a why to everything we do. If there’s no why behind it, then there is no meaning. It’s great to think you’re going to do this one business plan because it will make money, but you’ll soon realize it’s hollow and it’s not fulfilling.

When we know why we’re doing something, we know our passion. We can set forth, immerse ourselves in that every day, and feel fulfillment in what we’re doing.

Find what you love, and work with it. If you’re just starting out or if you have the first urge to start a business, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. Passion will fuel you through the ups and downs, it will get you over the hills that seem impassable, and it will create a life where you don’t have to work a single day.

The recipe for a life full of meaning and full of moments isn’t difficult. You must do what you love, know your goals, but don’t lose sight of those people and things that truly make your life great. Take a deep breath, step back and look at your life. What do you feel is missing? It’s time to make new goals, not to replace your current goals, but to work in tandem with them. Our time on Earth is fleeting. Everyone’s is. It’s our duty to make those fleeting moments as big as we can.

Triumph doesn’t happen alone. It takes mentors and guides, wisdom and perseverance. It can be painful as we look closely at ourselves and realize where we need to improve, and what we need to get there. Our book challenges you to change your life for the better. Take action. Start creating your future today.