The average male life expectancy in the United States is 79 years old. I’m 42, so statistically I’m already in the second half of my life. The perceived speed at which the first half flew by solidifies the fact that time is, without question, my most precious resource.
Therefore…
I need to respect it.
I need to value it.
I need to maximize it.
Here’s why:
The moment I was born, a proverbial hourglass got flipped over. And there are 3 indisputable truths about my hourglass:
- I don’t know how much sand is at the top. Time is not promised and time is not guaranteed.
- I can’t prevent the sand from falling. Time can’t be stopped and time can’t be paused.
- Once the sand hits the bottom, it’s gone forever! Time can’t be saved or relived.
Honoring these 3 truths reframes my previous perspective on life. It pushes me to Live Present – to focus on the present moment, because that’s all I have. Living Present is the key to happiness, fulfillment, connection, intimacy, success, and significance. Even though I know that on a conscious and intellectual level, Living Present is still a major challenge for me.
Battling the onslaught of daily distractions is a struggle. Focusing on the now, and not the what’s next? is incredibly difficult.
It takes effort.
It takes discipline.
It takes commitment.
I still have plenty of work to do!
Knowing how to Live Present and actually doing it are separate beasts. I’m not sure anyone, even a Tibetan monk, can truly master Living Present. It’s a never-ending process.
So my goal is to aim for progress, not perfection. To do a better job today than I did yesterday, last week, last month, or last year.
It’s vital to acknowledge that…
I will always be a work in progress.
I will always be under construction.
I will never be finished.
So I will continue to take it one day at a time and constantly remind myself that my attention in the present moment is my most valuable currency.
My attention is the #1 asset I have to give. My attention shows what I care about. My attention shows what I truly value. Where I choose to put my attention determines if I am wasting, spending or investing my time.
Do you want to be a better spouse?
Parent?
Friend?
Colleague?
Leader?
Make the choice to give the people you care about your full attention. Giving someone or something your full, undivided and focused attention is a skill. How do you improve any skill?
Through repetition.
Through repetition.
Through repetition.
Giving someone your full attention in a digitally distracted society takes purposeful practice. So practice every chance you get. It will allow you to become more connected, influential and impactful in every area of your life. It will allow you to Live Present.
As I said before, Living Present is the only way you can live a happy, fulfilled, intimate, successful, and significant life.
Old people live in the past.
Young people live in the future.
Wise people live in the present.
