The Big Fix: Living in the Moment

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the burdens of the past and the uncertainties of the future. Many of us, including some of my colleagues, find ourselves caught in a mental tug-of-war. On one end, there’s depression rooted in past regrets and missed opportunities. On the other, there’s anxiety fueled by anticipation of worst-case scenarios and hypothetical outcomes. The result? A pervasive inability to focus on the here and now.

But what if I told you the key to personal and professional success lies in neither the past nor the future—but in this very moment?

Many of my friends and colleagues have shared their concerns and lack of control over their work and the impact of recent world events. So this post is dedicated to all of you. Trust me I go through the same challenges from time to time too, so you are not alone!

The Problem with Looking Back and Looking Ahead

Dwelling on the past can be a slippery slope. While reflecting on mistakes or setbacks can be instructive, lingering too long often spirals into self-doubt or regret. Similarly, fixating on the future, especially with a negative lens, amplifies anxiety. It’s human nature to think ahead, to plan, and to prepare, but obsessing over what could go wrong creates unnecessary stress.

The truth is, both mindsets are distractions. They rob you of the energy and focus needed to address the task at hand. And when you’re not fully present, you’re not operating at your best.

The Case for Living in the Moment

Living in the moment isn’t just a feel-good mantra—it’s a powerful strategy. When you tune out the noise and narrow your focus to the task in front of you, you tap into a level of clarity and productivity that’s hard to achieve otherwise. Being fully present helps you make better decisions, improve relationships, and deliver your best work.

I’ve experienced this firsthand, not just in the workplace but also on the court and the golf course.

Lessons from Sports: My Dome of Focus

Whether it’s golf, tennis, or pickleball, my success in these sports comes down to a singular focus on the moment. When I play golf, I’m not thinking about the putt I missed two holes ago or worrying about whether I’ll birdie the next hole. My only thought is about the shot in front of me—lining up the ball, assessing the conditions, and executing my swing.

In tennis and pickleball, it’s much the same. When the ball is in play, I create what I like to call a “dome of focus.” Everything else—the crowd, the score, even my opponent—fades into the background. My attention is solely on the ball, its trajectory, and my next move.

This mindset isn’t unique to sports. It’s a transferable skill that applies to work and life. When I focus solely on the task or conversation at hand, I find myself more productive, less stressed, and better able to navigate challenges.

Practical Tips for Living in the Moment

1. Break the Task Down: Focus on one step at a time rather than the entire project.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Take a few moments to center yourself with deep breaths before tackling your next task.
3. Set Boundaries: Reduce distractions by turning off notifications and setting aside dedicated time for focused work.
4. Learn to Let Go: Accept that you can’t change the past or predict the future, but you can control your actions right now.

Final Thoughts

Living in the moment is a skill that takes practice, but the payoff is worth it. By letting go of past regrets and future worries, you create space for clarity, focus, and success.

So, the next time you find your mind drifting to what was or what could be, remind yourself to step into the dome of focus. The only thing that truly matters is the here and now. As I’ve learned through sports and life, hitting that next shot—whether in a game or at work—is the only shot that counts.

What strategies do you use to stay in the moment? Share your thoughts below!