The One True Thing We Have

When a person feels overwhelmed by the future, they can lose sight of the one true thing they really have--now.

It is always possible to stop and enjoy the moment, but this is a skill that takes practice. You know it when it happens because it feels good, but it's about more than feeling good. Being in the now helps us lead successful lives. Everyone wants that, but according to John Maxwell, few of us know how to get there.

Today Matters

We are led astray by misconceptions. In his book, "Today Matters" John Maxwell identifies some of the most common misconceptions that can hold us back:

1. We believe success is impossible, so we criticize it.
2. We believe successes is mystical, so we search for it.
3. We believe success comes from luck, so we hope for it.
4. We believe success is productivity, so we work for it.
5. We believe success comes from opportunity, so we wait for it.
6. We believe success comes from leverage, so we power up for it.
7. We believe success comes from connections, so we network for it.
8. We believe success is an event, so we schedule for it.

Which of these misconceptions sound like they belong to you? How do these misconceptions impact your life and happiness?

Points 4 and 8 certainly resonate with me. I work harder and count on specific events to take me towards success, but when I stop to consider things, I realize there is more to the journey. Working hard and scheduling events do take me further ahead, but they are not the full picture.

Growth Over Time

Success is longer-term and is based on growth over time. As John Maxwell explains, growth comes from making decisions and following through on those decisions. It doesn’t come from criticizing, searching, hoping, waiting, or any of the other misconceptions. It comes from making decisions and acting on them.

The time to start creating success in your life is now. It’s too late to do something you wanted to accomplish yesterday, and tomorrow hasn't happened. All that matters is now. To help me remember this, I have a small poster in my office. It says, "Yesterday ended last night."

Or, as Sharon Salzberg puts it, "Mindfulness isn't difficult, we just need to remember it." So why do so many of us fail to grasp the importance of the present moment? Is it because we hold on to the past, or focus too much on the future?

A Powerful Tip to Keep You in the Now

So how can you make sure that today doesn't slip away? John Maxwell has a suggestion: the secret of your success is determined by what you do today and that requires an agenda.

I have a detailed agenda that I manage daily. It's not just a to-do list; it's a whole new approach to life. Managing my daily agenda has helped me to:

• Remain focused.
• Enjoy good health.
• Feel significant.
• Learn and grow.
• Receive direction.
• Experience fulfillment.
• Exhibit stability.
• And more …

Remember, success results from what you do in the present moment.

"Most people don’t lead their own lives; they accept their lives." – John Kotter

Your friends,

The UpCloseTeam

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