Why is being present in the moment a superpower? It might not sound like a bell-ringer at first, but you’ll be surprised when you try it!
For the past year, I have had a morning routine that consists of a combination of meditation, reflection, and envisioning the future. When I envision my future, I usually picture 3-5 years from now. I visualize what I will be accomplishing, where I will be, and what is most important. Then, at the end of my visualization, I come back to the present and think about what I need to accomplish that day.
Realize Your Ambitions
One morning as I was going through my routine, I had a realization. There was a huge gaping hole between what I was envisioning for the future and what goals I was setting for the day.
You see, in the future, I have it all together. Friends, family, fitness, and work are all aligned and thriving. But, my current daily goals and tasks were all around work.
I had this scary realization. Every time I skipped a workout, ate poorly, avoided a get-together, or worked a 13 hour day, I never get that day again. Was I wasting away my present?
I don’t mean to be a downer, but just think about it! We aren’t made to be robots in front of computers all day. Stressing about work or whatever stresses we have taken away from the present. This current moment is what we have. The future is great to envision, but right now is all we’ve got!
Typical Kelly, I came up with a plan. But, this time it wasn’t my typical list of goals to accomplish. This plan is all about baby steps for being present and finding joy.
Find Your Minimum Daily Requirements
You know how vitamin bottles have the minimum daily recommendation on the side of each bottle? What if we did that? What if we set a minimum daily recommendation of things we need to be present for? I decided to give it a try!
Remembering that these are the MINIMUM daily requirements I need, I didn’t set anything too ambitious or overwhelming. The minimum I needed to maintain my fitness and lifestyle. For me, this included some sort of movement, healthy food, meditation, and stretching.
I feel that by doing each of these for a little amount of time each day will keep me maintaining a steady trajectory towards my future vision. If I have a new goal or a new ambition, I’ll have to do more than my MDR (minimum daily requirements).
It sounds so simple, but setting minimum daily requirements in your life can really have the potential to unlock your superhuman ability to be present and keep moving forward in a happy and healthy way!
If you’d like to hear more about my idea of developing minimum daily requirements and staying present, be sure to give Episode 25 of the Fit Is Freedom podcast a listen!