I live in the present.

[Rodni Demental]

I live in the present, just like all of you. But I fear that I am here too much. I don't have a lot of concern for the future, I have goals, ambitions etc. that in my mind, are going to happen. And I mean, they're GOING to happen, I simply don't see anything other way. But then, as more of a conern rather than a delema, I think to myself how do I do prepare more for the future?

I know it seems like a silly question, I'm practically lauging at how ridiculous it is that I don't just get up right now and do something important instead of write about it here. And even upon realising this, it's like I'm fighting my head and just refuse to listen to it's advice. Or maybe I just made up that idea as an excuse.

So, how do you make yourself do do things that you don't want to do but should? Or how do you make yourself not do things that you want to do but shouldn't?

I ask the question both ways because it's the same kind of thought process and depending on what the issue is for you, you might be able to relate better one way than the other.

[Kindred]

The future is a result of the present, which implies if you're concerned about the present you're already concerned about the future.

I use extreme timeboxing in 10 minute, 3 minute, or even 1 minute increments when I'm down in the hole and want to get started on something. I don't think about completing the task. I just get myself started. Timeboxing is most effective for me because time will pass regardless of how well I do.

Friends have asked me how I can sit in front of my computer for over 8 hours, memorizing dreadfully boring facts from flashcards. But it doesn't matter whether the task is interesting or not--whether one wants to do it or not. One just has to get addicted to doing it.

For instance, if you're washing dishes, you need to feel the success in just washing that one dish. You need to believe you're winning by making progress instead of believing you'll win once you finish. Once one adopts this belief, work and goals will take care of themselves.

Furthermore, if you don't want to be doing something, don't do it. If you want to do something, do it. You're only taking power away from yourself trying to go the other way.

[JustinPopovic]

Great advice Kindred. I was not aware of this timeboxing concept even though I have been doing it for certain tasks.

Similar to your dishwashing example, I applied the same idea to a workout. Let's say I was doing a 30 minute cardio workout on the treadmill or bike, I would focus all of my attention on 1 minute intervals. At the end of each minute I would celebrate in my own head and re-energize for the next minute of activity. This took my mind off of the fatigue and allowed me to be present in the moment of exercise.

When I forget to do this, it can seem like an ETERNITY when you still have 15 minutes to go in a high impact workout. You can easily start to dread your workout if you spend the entire time just wishing it was over.

Yes, living in the moment is very powerful and requires constant practice