365 Days With Self-Discipline: 365 Life-Altering Thoughts on Self-Control, Mental Resilience, and Success

Day 140: On Longing for Paradise

The problem with longing for paradises is that it distracts us from our

efforts to extract pleasure and meaning from the present.

—Gordon Livingston

 

134

In the pursuit of success, it’s easy to forget that we live in the present

moment.  The  struggle  is  certainly  less  attractive  than  the  ultimate  reward

you’re after, but it doesn’t mean that you should let the vision distract you

from the present.

There’s a danger in romanticizing the outcome: when you compare this

beautiful mental picture to the struggle you’re going through now, you may

become discouraged because of the painful contrast between what could be

and what currently is .

By all means, if it inspires you to work, from time to time indulge in

the fantasy, but don’t forget that the future lies ahead, and it’s the present

moment you should focus on to ensure that that future actually materializes.

Obsessing  about  the  final  outcome  means  robbing  yourself  of  the

pleasure  and  meaning  of  the  powerful,  difficult  process  that  you’re  going

through right now.

The next time you catch yourself dreaming about the future, refocus on

the  present  moment.  Notice  the  small  but  positive  changes  that  have

occurred (thanks to your struggle), look at your progress so far, and draw

inspiration from your sacrifices and your resolve to keep going, despite all

of the hardships.

---