There's nothing wrong with planning and working towards big goals for the future, but it's just as important to live and enjoy the here and now. Making the most of the present will make the journey towards your future goals more fulfilling and enjoyable. Everyone has their own ideas but here are six tried and tested tips to help add purpose and value to your everyday life:
Start to notice small, everyday things that make you happy like birdsong, getting a seat on the tube, someone else doing the washing up or hearing from a friend. Notice them and actively enjoy them.
Build 'moments of pleasure' into your day so that you have something to look forward to every few hours like the first cup of good coffee, a delicious lunch, a walk in nature, reading a good book, a hot bath or a hot chocolate in bed.
Identify the emotions that are motivating you towards the big goals you have for your future and find small things you can do now to add those same emotions to your life today. It may be that your desire for a foreign holiday reveals a need for liberation and your drive for promotion is fuelled by a need for recognition - how can these needs be met in small ways now?
Every day set an alarm on your phone or timer then do something that really matters to you for 15 minutes.
Decide what you want your legacy to be, write it down and think about what you are doing now to make that legacy come true.
Keep a gratitude diary and write down three things every day that you are thankful for. It doesn't matter how small they are.
Decide just to 'be yourself' and enjoy your life by finding the value and the silver lining in everything.
