Life is all lessons…ignorance is not a destiny…
All of us have goals in life—some are humble while others are grand—and we all want to achieve somehow. Unfortunately, most of us prefer to settle on the illusory wondering of our minds. Instead of formulating viable plans that will serve as the foundations of materializing our goals, we waste our valuable resources—time and energy—engaging in the senselessness of idleness, perfect timing, superstition, someday syndrome, procrastination and laziness. If you have been like this then its time to wake up from these lies and start to make definitive actions.
The big question is: HOW?
And the only answer is NOW.
I do not mean to confuse you, but to really make our goals a reality we have to set our awareness in the present moment and initiate some relevant ACTION: this is the only principle you need to follow when you want to achieve any goals in your life.
Stop dreaming of success unless you are making actions at the moment. Our future is weaved by our everyday accomplishments. It is foolishness to hope that our dreams will come true without making any associated efforts in the present; we have only deprived ourselves of the opportunity for the productive use of our precious time. A quote from the bible says:
“Faith without works is dead”
Remember, nothing emanates from nothing; if we don’t do our part of working on our goals everyday, then surely, nothing will be gained; even luck favors those who make an effort than those who blindly seek good fortune. By laying the bricks of our goals each day, we are able to clearly see definitive results.
So, any goals you have in mind? Do yourself a favor by making a move right NOW. Don’t wait for the “right” moment, such does not exist. Change will not manifest unless you put your mind and body to work at every possible moment. Don’t listen to the unfounded admonitions of your mind; never believe when it tells you that your aspirations are beyond your capacity. Everything you need you already have and you will never realize this until you do it now. Never ever set your goals in the “near” future because the future will always be immaterial: you cannot experience it. Now is the only reality where you can plant the seed of your goals.
Every waking moment of our lives we are given the opportunity to make use of our abilities. Sadly, we put much concern on things that have never been. Rather than focusing on what is before us, we stick to the illusion of our worries; thus preventing us from doing what we have to do.
Don’t allow yourself to be a victim of false hope. Release yourself from the confines of your bitter past; let go of worrying about the uncertain future. Focus on what you have right now, put your mind and body to where it can affect change. Put yourself into action at this very moment. Whatever it is that you want to make a difference—be it on your relationship, finances, career, happiness and any endeavors you want achieved—do it now.
Let me depart by sharing a poem from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Embrace this deeply and your world will change.
A PSALM OF LIFE
TELL me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream ! —
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real ! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal ;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way ;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle !
Be a hero in the strife !
Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant !
Let the dead Past bury its dead !
Act,— act in the living Present !
Heart within, and God o’erhead !
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time ;
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate ;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.
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Amazing i must say. Just what i need to read. I have some goals that i set and it reminded me that i do not need to change a thing that i already have. If i do not have everything i need it will be shown to me.
Great post
.-= Josten´s last blog ..How i learned to meditate part 5 =-.
Thanks Josten. Indeed, everything we need to accomplish our goals are given to us, provided that we put our focus on the present.
Walter – that’s an awesome post. I love that you put the responsibility on us to take action to improve our lives, because thats how it is.
“Sadly, we put much concern on things that have never been.”
I wonder if you realized how genius this sentence was when you wrote it.
.-= TJ | Brave New Life´s last blog ..Arbitrary Truths =-.
That’s very generous of you TJ, thank you for your kind words. Always we should remember to take responsibility for improving our lot. After all, no one can help us except ourselves. Even grace requires our action.
What a great post, I just stumbled upon your blog and this post is the one that caught my attention. It makes us realize to never forget to look at the big picture, the grand scheme of things. I also like to look at it as two steps forward, and one step back, towards reaching our goals comes from hard work and dedication!
Most people restrict their horizons by being stubborn of their old antiquated ways. Reaching our goals requires an open mind and presence to the reality of the moment. Looking at the big picture is a characteristic of the wise.
You’re absolutely right Walter! Life is a game where “points” are obtained only if we do things now, not tomorrow, not for 10 minutes, but now!
.-= Marko || CalmGrowth´s last blog ..36 Excellent Resources For Building Your Self-Confidence =-.
A great article
The only time that we can affect change is the very moment where we are, the future is but the consequence of this.
Hi Walter,
I totally agree. People tend to talk big about what they would love to achieve but very few people do what they say they will do. Talk is cheap and action speaks volumes.
Dreams do come true but you have to work really hard to get them. No one likes to hear that but it is true. Visualization and all of that LOA stuff does work but a necessary component is action which many people forget.
Anyone can talk big but it is even more amazing when we walk the walk.
.-= Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..Passion…It’s A Way of Life =-.
It’s amazing how most of us brag about the grandiosity of our goals yet shy off when it comes to implementation. Perhaps it is easy to talk than to make an effort. Or maybe we are overwhelmed of our goals that we don’t know how or where to start. In my experience, doing something in parallel with our goals will always reveal the next move. By taking the first step, the next will be revealed.
Hi,
I think we also need to prioritize our actions or we will be going in circles. Well thought out and planned action daily works;)
By making an action with respect to our goals we will learn along the way, and that includes formulating priorities.
My only goal these days is to feel good – moment to moment. I’m a horrible poster child for accomplishment, because all of those desires are leaving me! If something feels good, I do it. If it doesn’t, more and more I’m just walking away.
Walter, thank you for shining your light in my world today.
Have a beautiful week!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..Being Open To The Moments =-.
Every moment is an opportunity to decide how we want to react with life. Looking at the positive and going with the flow will make us see the beauty of everything.
True thing,
It’s all about faith and taking massive action.
“Release yourself from the confines of your bitter past”
I used to be past dweller, but I have left that style almost a year ago. I feel fresh every minute of life, because I only live for this moment. Like now.
.-= Mars Dorian´s last blog ..Why YOU Should Be Small and Think Imperial ! =-.
The only reality is the present moment. Therefore, we should base all our action from it.
I loved this post, Walter. So often I see people complaining about things in their life and wishing things were different yet doing nothing about it, and wondering why things aren’t the way they’d like! I’ve found that making the decision to ACTIVELY take part in shaping the life you want to lead requires willpower and the willingness to push yourself out of your comfort zone, and letting the desire for a better life surpass the fear of the steps it may take to get there.
.-= Emily Jane´s last blog ..A call, an answer, and to new beginnings =-.
Actively taking part is the most important thing most people fail to take into account. Perhaps, certain factors like fear, laziness or irresponsibility are preventing them from really living the life they aspire to live.
Great post Walter. It’s absolutely true that we have only this moment to live…our future is truly right now and everything that we did in the ‘past’ led us to where we are right this moment whether or not we think it’s ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ Too many people are on a path of constant searching without doing. Sometimes the first step might not even be literally doing…but rather non-doing where we take some time to just slow down. Stop reading…stop constant doing…and just sit and be and listen to ourselves. Maybe journal a little bit, which might bring some things to light. Then, start trying some things and also open up to the possibility of change. So many people close that possibility out (I can’t…it’s too hard…I’m not smart enough…good enough, etc.). Watch your thoughts and learn from them. And of course, as you say, take action because the only time to do so is right here and now in this moment.
.-= Nate´s last blog ..You Have Only This Moment To Live =-.
Being still and listening to ourselves is an effective method to be aware of the present moment. In this instance, we become mindful of where we are in our lives as well as seeing where we want to be in the coming moments.
I enjoyed this post. This is very true, I read a mantra once from Clemente Stone, he said that whenever you are feeling hesitant of wheter or not to take action on a goal, a good mantra would be to say to yourself “Do it Now” The future afterall is all there is at this very moment, lets make the best of it.
Such a powerful quote from Clemente Stone. If we could just harness the opportunity of the moment we can do the impossible and we can liberate our unlimited capabilities.
Funny thing, fate. Though change and moving forward have been an ongoing process for me, learning to just do it is the profound lever. Too many times I have been getting ready to do something, but never actually acting. And as for fate? Today alone I have found myself reading posts, articles and such that ALL follow this theme. I don’t take lightly the signs that appear to guide me in a more positive, fulfilling manor.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Eating In the Raw =-.
Such a scenario happened to me more than often. However, despite the resistance of my mind to do a certain task, I put my body to work. In this way my mind has no choice but to engage.
Another very thought-provoking post, Walter.
I couldn’t agree more with this “Don’t wait for the “right” moment, such does not exist.” We can sometimes fall into the trap of believing that tomorrow will bring the right circumstances or that the stars will align just right and give us a sign that what we are doing is the right thing to do. It’s not going to happen. Not being stuck in the analysis paralysis stage and taking action is the key to making change happen in your life. There’s no better time than right now to decide to change your life and then take the necessary actions to do so.
When you are not happy, change something (no matter how small) and then evaluate. Change something else and evaluate again. It’s not easy, but it’s better than never changing and never growing.
Karen
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Warning: Following These 5 Tips May Get You Out Of Your Rut =-.
Thanks Karen. The beauty of doing is that we can learn from it. Nothing can be gained of stagnation, we can affect our lot by making a move.
great post walter :)…we only become truly free when we become responsible for ever facet of our being…and I mean everything…also everything just comes down to awareness…the ability to be awake and alert in the world…otherwise any action you take will be mechanical…how can you take any real action when you are asleep and living in your imagination?…you need to develop enough understanding of your inner mechanisms to experience the state of being, where you develop an utterly quiet and sensitive mind..that is capable of acting in the present moment without the filters of the past or future…ambition can only exist in the future…try being ambitious when you are in the present moment…it’s not possible…ambition causes problems for people because happiness is always in the future…hence you are always in a state of trying to become what you perceive to be better..this causes much inner conflict…but when you learn to act in the present..to respond to the moment with no pre conceived ideas…you will be growing in the present…you will gain direct perception of something…real growth…people go on becoming more knowledgeable but there being remains the same…it even becomes more difficult because there minds become even sneakier and better at deceiving themselves…discovering ones true nature is an arduous journey with many pitfalls a long the way..but if we fail to make the journey we did not truly live…life is only real when “I am”…..
.-= Ivan Campuzano´s last blog ..My Life In Flux =-.
Such deep wisdom you have shared here Ivan. Indeed, we have to face our journeys in life.
Walter – yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, so live life in the now, that’s why it is called the present. Thanks for the reminder.
Phil
.-= Phil – Less Ordinary Living´s last blog ..Change your Story, Change your Life =-.
The truth lies in the present. Without this awareness we will be blind of the answers.
Hi Walter,
I enjoyed your post and the poem. Now I have to pose a question or two.
I totally agree that all we have is now. The past is just a memory and it cannot be changed in any way.
The question is the future. If we are carefully planning everything, aren’t we losing the present moment?
The present moment or now is all we have. We cannot be sure of even tomorrow.
We do have to devote some time to planning and acting on those plans in the now to survive but how much time should we leave just for the present moment with no preoccupation with the future?
It seems to me that devoting all the time we have to work on fulfilling our plans in order to have something in the future could cause us to sacrifice and to lose the present time completely.
I wonder what your thoughts are on that.
Vance
.-= Vance Sova´s last blog ..Marketing With Alex 3.0 Preview, Gurus Nightmare Alex’s New Ebook =-.
Everything we do at the present weaves our future. I think we should be more mindful on what we can do now instead of focusing much on the future. Yes we do plans for our future but will we be able to secure our future without acting on our plans right now? Our future will always be the consequence of what we make today. Our plans are only blueprint of the ideal future we aspire, focusing too much on it without lying the bricks at every moment will get us nowhere. What we do right now will affect us; the future affects only our imagination.
Walter,
Great post! The right moment to do the right thing is right now. Period.
Thanks!
All the best,
Boris
.-= Boris´s last blog ..One Earth Hour per year, What a Shame! =-.
Now is where all opportunities comes, we just need to be present.
Walter, you’re right: many of us know we want certain things and then keep putting them off by thinking, ‘it will happen some day’.
Not if you don’t get off your tushy, buddy! Put one foot in front of the other and just.. DO.
Good post, Walter!
.-= Moon Hussain´s last blog ..Are You Embarrassed Of Saying “Passive Income” Out Loud? =-.
I keep on thinking why doing has been the most difficult part of any endeavors. Perhaps the doing part carries with it certain sacrifices that we are unwilling to partake.
wow, I needed to read this like weeks ago. I’m going to have to read your entire blog from start to finish. The topics are so interesting!!!
I’m glad you have liked my works Lenci.
Unfortunately, many of us dream big things, but that’s where it ends. This post has been a good reminder – thanks
.-= John Lufadeju´s last blog ..Re: A Move To VPS Hosting =-.
It is all too easy to dream, after all, they are just an imagination of our minds. Making a move however requires us to step out of the illusions of our minds and start to build the materialization of our goals.
Walter,
Beautiful and inspiring post. I have read it late was busy with work this week.
To achieve the goals first thing for sure is to start if I cannot make a start I cannot make it till the end. PASSION is the key ingredient to achieve our goals.
Bye for now,
Cheryl
.-= Cheryl Paris´s last blog ..How We Grew With An Acorn- N is for… =-.
Passion is the most powerful motivator to achieve our goals. Without this factor, making a start can be difficult.
Hi Walter,
thanks for another inspiring post. It’s also a timely post for me as I’ve just been reviewing what I’ve achieved over the last three months. I enjoy having a long term goal or target in life, but it is the day to day steps that we take that will actually make us succeed in reaching our bigger goals.
I would say, living for the present but keeping a part of myself focused on the future seems to work for me.
.-= Des´s last blog ..Finding the Best Affiliate Networks =-.
Living in the present is how we are supposed to live. Goals cannot be achieved if we don’t make a step at every moment; everything we make at the moment will be reflected in our future.
Nice post man! People love living in fantasy instead of em to open their eyes to reality.
Thanks Samuel. The truth is, it’s much easier to live in fantasy than to open our eyes to an unwanted truth.
I’m reading this on the 1st day of the second quarter. I like to break my goals and accomplishments into quarters throughout the year.
What you’ve written, Walter, is so timely and something everyone needs to read at least once a quarter! It’s a message that can resonate with all — don’t get bogged down on the past and quit worrying about the future. What we can do and accomplish is right here right now in front of us.
.-= Lisa Kelly Zuba´s last blog ..How Do You Handle an Upside Down Day? =-.
It is a mystery few people realized that what we do in the present moment will affect our future. Opportunities exist only in the present, therefore, we must neither look for it in the past nor in the future. Everything that can change our lives presents itself now.
Great post and it’s true that if we just go for it we’ll eventually get there. Period. You have to have goals in mind and you have to just go for it and keep your faith and hope and never give up.
YOU are the only reason you’ve got where you wanted to be and YOU are the only reason you’re NOT where you wanted to be. Other have helped or tried to hurt but YOU took action and therefore you made it.
We often forget to understand just how smart and how much we are all capable of doing with and without help at times. All it takes is the first step, focus, and understanding that we can if it’s what we really want to work hard for.
What do you think?
.-= Eric´s last blog ..The Power Of A Lie, Is It True? =-.
I agree with what you have shared here Eric. The key will always be US. It is how we react with every situation that molds our destiny. We have the power to affect our destiny, our choice of action will be the determining factor.
I agree with you Walter. You need to take action in order to fulfill your goals. I want to be making more friends through the Internet and I also want to start making some money through it. And I will take action tomorrow. Well I am also actually taking action today.
.-= Julius Kuhn-Regnier´s last blog ..How to Become More Productive =-.
That’s the way to go Julius. Our success is weaved the moment we put ourselves into action.