Why is it that so many people “live for today” rather than
planning for tomorrow – choosing to live in their past accomplishments rather
than chasing after dreams of a brighter future?
What comfort can be taken in things that have already been done knowing
that closing the door to those things not yet imagined traps us in a world
holding no new experiences and having no opportunities to develop or grow? To move forward in life we must remember that
today will never be tomorrow because it inevitably becomes yesterday as time
passes. Unless we plan for a different future
and take intentional action to initiate change, each new tomorrow to which we
awaken will mirror the past – a reflection of what was rather than what could
be in our lives.
Many individuals view work as being their “beginning and
their end.” The daily tasks,
responsibilities and accomplishments into which we immerse ourselves can,
unless we are very careful, become more important to us than relationships,
activities or travel. Work is somehow
predictable and rewarding. It provides a
venue in which we can excel (or at least contribute) and thrive (or, at a
minimum, survive) without unexpected or unanticipated roadblocks altering our
paths or activities. Routine can be
comforting to many – knowing what to do, what to expect and how to achieve
anticipated results can be reassuring to those seeking the satisfaction of
being a contributor (rather than an initiator) and accepted (rather than
questioned or challenged). One of life’s greatest travesties, however, is the individual content to accept what is as
being all that could be – comfortable in the success and recognition achieved in
the past (seeing no reason or having no motivation to accomplish more) – defined
by what has been done rather than by who they could become. These individuals tend to think very little
about tomorrow (which, unfortunately, becomes their reality sooner than they ever
could have realized or imagined).
People once grew for a season, learned for a season, worked
for a season then retired for the final season of their lives. During the season of growth, children
identified their strengths so they could be developed (and their weaknesses so
they could be bolstered or avoided).
They sought interests and areas they liked before having to focus upon
one or two paths that might ultimately lead them into their season of learning
as they prepared for their season of work.
The season of growth was never meant to be lived in – only to be passed
through on the road towards the season of learning.
Individuals went to school, work or into the military to
hone and develop the skills they identified during their season of growth. The season of learning allowed people to
experiment in a “safe environment” before having to utilize their abilities to
earn a living or support a family.
Socialization, the widening and improving of paths discovered as a child
and the crystallization of their life objectives came together to help
individuals spring from their “today” as they ventured into tomorrow – to build
careers, perhaps create a family, and “make their mark on the world.” Though some might hold onto this season by
augmenting their experience with lifelong learning, many built and expanded their
castles upon the foundation of learning as they moved into their season of
work.
Work, a season starting as a necessary means to accomplish a
desired end, is often rooted in ambition and nurtured by competition – a desire
to become better than others (rather than a measure of what each individual
might be able to contribute and accomplish individually). The season of work provides security, wealth,
growth, sustenance and recognition – allowing individuals to identify areas in
which the strengths identified as children and nurtured through learning are
able to be applied to give them internal satisfaction and a sense of
accomplishment. Some rarely feel they
are working in this season as they love what they do and either plan to
eventually reach a season of rest OR intentionally seek to avoid ever realizing
such a time. Others have found the
season of work to be a “necessary evil” rather than an enjoyable release –
constantly seeking (and longing for) an escape from their season of work rather
than an elevation into more responsible and rewarding levels. Some fully utilize their skills to accomplish
things never before considered while others perform as they are told and do
what needs to be done (rather than what COULD be done). Regardless of an individual’s perspective,
the season of work eventually comes to an end for everyone – the only
difference often being how much was accomplished – as we enter the season of
rest (either prepared with open arms or “kicking and screaming” with fear and trepidation).
An individual who has successfully “lived for tomorrow”
rather than being content with today – has moved from their past by developing
their strengths and leveraging them to make a difference in whatever was or has
yet to be accomplished – will rarely be bored as they pass through the seasons
of life. An individual who was content
with “today” during his or her season of work may find themselves living in
yesterday’s world during their season of rest – reminiscing upon what was done
and accomplished rather than focusing upon the fulfillment of dreams and future
goals. Our season of rest may become one
of expectation – accomplishing the things that were anticipated but never
accomplished because work consumed too much time – or one of disenchantment – living
for something that was already done while hoping for something that was never considered
– it is up to each of us as individuals to determine which season we wish (or
accept) to experience.
“Live for today?” I think not for today will soon be gone. We dwell but for a moment within each passing
day, welcoming each new tomorrow as they become what was once today (having
quietly become yesterday in the night). Those
who enjoy ALL the seasons of life tend to move constantly forward seeking opportunities
yet to be realized and possibilities yet to be accomplished while accepting
nothing less than what could be possible (rather than what has been proven in
the past) regardless of the season in which they live. Life moves relentlessly forward through each season
towards a future that has yet to be fully defined...prepare for it by planning
your changes while being ready to change your plans as needed.
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