Why “living in the present” is overrated—here’s scientific proof

I am a strong believer in living in the present. I don’t say it enough.

Life is too darn short!

For this reason, I also encourage you to take breaks from living in the present.

Today’s fun video gives you a bit of the reason why it’s not healthy to always live in the present moment.

 

[video_embed url=”https://youtu.be/bI-abAPo4Cc” embed_style=”default”]

 

Tweet: “Simultaneously live in the present moment AND aim for a higher purpose.” —@lucindaloveland

After you watch this video I want you to reach towards a meaningful goal. Meaningful for you!

This involves thinking about your future. Investing for your future. Sacrificing for your future.

Why?

Because life is just too darn short!

We don’t want to lead meaningless lives. For this reason we must embrace our present moment AND aim for a higher purpose.

There’s a lot I can say on this, but I want to just focus on the main points.

We find meaning when we appreciate and embrace our current moment AND when we know we are useful, important and have a calling.

What is your calling? What is your passion?

What gifts do you want to give your Future Self?

Take the baby steps today.

  • If it’s losing some pounds, start by reducing some sugar and taking more walks.
  • If it’s restoring your romantic relationship, start by expressing appreciation for the little things (no matter how small, start somewhere).
  • If it’s doing work you are truly passionate about, research what that exactly looks like for you if you are not already in the field and start volunteering in the field to learn the ropes.
  • If it’s about being a better parent, nothing better than educating yourself on how exactly you want to be as a parent and finding a group of like-minded parents so you can support one another.

Start small and think big! Enjoy today and be hopeful for tomorrow!

 

To learn more about the Marshmallow Study, go here.

2 Replies to “Why “living in the present” is overrated—here’s scientific proof”

  1. Great point, Lucinda — it reminds me of the fable of the grasshopper and the ant. The grasshopper lives only in the now not caring for the future, then perishes when it gets cold and he has no food. The ant, on the other hand, spends his present time gathering food in preparation for the cold days ahead — he survives while the grasshopper doesn’t. All that said, it’s good to do both: Be present in the here and now with focus and intentionality to maximize your present experience and opportunities, and at the same time, look and plan ahead so you’re more prepared to live in the now then.

    1. You brought up the perfect fable to home in on this Bento. To always enjoy the now, we can think of future nows. Sounds like we can go on and on about this. : )

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