"Living Now" or "Plan Ahead": Do You Know the Balance?
Jitendra Das, PCC, CPHR
TISS | HRBP | HR Leader | Leadership and Executive Coach | PCC (ICF) | CPHR (Canada)
Life presents us with a curious paradox: we often proclaim that time is fleeting, yet our actions suggest otherwise. We say time's short, yet we act like it's endless. Why the contradiction?
We hustle to secure our futures: saving money, building careers, our relentless pursuit of success, and at times, our greed can overshadow the importance of nurturing relationships and experiencing joy in the present moment. However, amidst this pursuit, we sometimes lose sight of the present, postponing joy and connection under the illusion that there will always be time later.
But what if there isn't any time left? What if the future we plan for never arrives? What if the postponement of future happiness doesn’t come with our next job, next promotion, or next house we buy? What if the illusion gets broken?
Consider the corporate climber who sacrifices everything for success, earning accolades but finding personal life empty. Similarly, picture the diligent saver, planning for retirement but realizing too late they've missed life's joys for financial security.
Now, envision the devoted parents who work tirelessly, often staying away from their children, to save for their future, only to realize they've missed out on precious moments with their loved ones.
Life's surprises remind us that the only time we're sure of is the present.
Now, as you reflect on this paradox, consider: Is it possible to strike a balance between living fully in the present while planning for the future? If you know the answer, please do share in the comments.
At last, I want to end with a snippet of a poem by my favorite Rumi:
领英推荐
"This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor."
-The Guest House by Jalaluddin Rumi
It’s always a pleasure conversing with you. Your insights are so valuable, and thanks for sharing such an insightful article.
Executive coach | Team coach |Leadership Coach | Master certified coach(MCC) by Marshall Goldsmith stakeholder centered coaching
7 个月Thank you for sharing such a profound reflection. The paradox you describe—asserting the brevity of time while behaving as if it were limitless—is indeed a central challenge. The key to resolving this contradiction lies not just in managing our time but in prioritizing what truly enriches us. In the rush to secure our futures through savings, career advancements, and other pursuits of success, it’s easy to postpone joy and connection. Adam Grant notes, "The more you believe in your ability to succeed, the more likely it is that you will." Believing we can balance today's enjoyment with future security, we're more likely to act in ways that embrace both. This belief encourages us to integrate moments of joy and connection into our daily lives, ensuring they are not lost in pursuit of a future that may never come as imagined. It’s about being intentional with our presence in the now while cautiously preparing for tomorrow. Reassessing our goals and the means to achieve them is crucial, ensuring they serve our overall well-being. setting present goals to experience joy now can help too I’d love to hear how others manage this balance or have adjusted their approach to better live in the moment while planning ahead.